What is the physician’s role in assisting their patients transition

to adulthood and into the adult health care system?

Some suggest this is a team effort, the players being the physician, the family and of course the youth with special health care needs. Busy office practices combined with low-to-no cost reimbursement make it difficult for many caring providers to do what they feel is necessary to facilitate smoother and more successful health care transitions.

Some youth will elect to leave the competent, high trust level relationship with their pediatrician for health care that is focused on their age related and developmental needs as a young adult. Some youth worry about their new adult doctor knowing as much as their former physician. Will they be listened to and recognized for their on-going expertise? Youth who rely on a trusted other to advocate on their behalf are concerned that the time it takes to establish this working relationship with a new medical provider could jeopardize their health status.

The next level of care providers and system services say they are not prepared to “take on” managing and paying for complex health care for these young adults. Yet, many of them have been doing similar care for elders. Society needs to recognize that health care needs can be managed.

Health Care Transition can be managed and workable if:

• The transferring young adult or caregiver is versed on their care and is an informed decision maker;
  
  
• The transferring specialist or pediatrician is available and compensated for periodic consultations to ease the learning curve for care; and
  
  
• If insurance plans – public or private begin to include flexible coverage as youth merge into the workplace doing periods of wellness and have access to affordable coverage during non-work periods.