When you become an adult, your experience at the doctor’s office and the hospital might be different from what you are used to. This fact sheet explains some of the changes you might notice. Comfort & Familiarity Pediatric Tips staff. Be patient as your doctors get to You have known your doctors • • know you. for a long time. You will need to explain more • about yourself and your condi- Ask your pediatric doctor to You feel comfortable during • • tion. send records or a portable your visits. medical summary to your new You might feel nervous about You know what • • adult doctor. talking with the doctor. to expect during the doctor and someone you Tell • The exam might be different. the exam. • trust how you feel. Set up a Ask the doctor to explain what • “meet-the-doctor” • You won’t know much • visit will happen during the about your new doctors and the with your new doctors. examination. Responsibility Pediatric Adult Tips someone (friend, parent, Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Parents often stay with you • • caregiver) stays with you during your doctor visits. Practice to be ready to take care • during your doctor visits. of your own health. Parents help answer questions • You will explain things about from the doctor for you. • Ask your doctor for help to • your treatment and condition build your skills. Parents help make decisions • on your own. about your treatment. If you want, someone you trust • You will decide about treatment. • can stay with you. Parents arrange follow-up and • on test results. You will follow-up on tests and • Some may need help with • appointments on your own. adult expectations, and Parents help you follow your • guardianship treatment plan. You will take more responsi- • or alternatives bility for your medical care. may need You will decide if • to be explored.
When you become an adult, your experience at the doctor’s office and the hospital might be different from what you are used to. This fact sheet explains some of the changes you might notice. Comfort & Familiarity Pediatric Tips • You have known your doctors for a long time. • You feel comfortable during your visits. • You know what to expect during the exam. • You won’t know much about your new doctors and the staff. • You will need to explain more about yourself and your condi- tion. • You might feel nervous about talking with the doctor. • The exam might be different. • Set up a “meet-the-doctor” visit with your new doctors. • Be patient as your doctors get to know you. • Ask your pediatric doctor to send records or a portable medical summary to your new adult doctor. • Tell the doctor and someone you trust how you feel. • Ask the doctor to explain what will happen during the examination. Responsibility Pediatric Adult Tips • Parents often stay with you during your doctor visits. • Parents help answer questions from the doctor for you. • Parents help make decisions about your treatment. • Parents arrange follow-up and on test results. • Parents help you follow your treatment plan. • You will decide if someone (friend, parent, caregiver) stays with you during your doctor visits. • You will explain things about your treatment and condition on your own. • You will decide about treatment. • You will follow-up on tests and appointments on your own. • You will take more responsi- bility for your medical care. • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. • Practice to be ready to take care of your own health. • Ask your doctor for help to build your skills. • If you want, someone you trust can stay with you. • Some may need help with adult expectations, and guardianship or alternatives may need to be explored.
Differences-in-Care..docx