Patients in Transition (PITS)

Committed to ensuring that everyone’s journey is a success

The journey of changing your child’s medical care from a pediatric model of health care into an adult model of health care can be frustrating.

As we journey through life, we face many difficult and important decisions. Families with individuals who have disabilities have even more of these decisions to face. Some of these issues might be legal in nature and medically sensitive. Some of the issues may even address stages of independence/interdependence which could include living arrangements and work availability to name a few.

At Hennepin Healthcare, we are committed to ensuring that everyone’s journey is a success and as seamless and smooth as possible. We recognize that transition can be scary and we have a wonderful support system that you can participate in voluntarily.

Using Our Expertise to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Our pediatric staff are committed to the smooth transfer of care from pediatrics to adult medicine. We partner with all youth and their families to educate, plan and prepare for transition starting around at around age 14 years. By the time your child is 18 years old, when suitable, our pediatric patients will be encouraged to begin taking part in an adult model of medical care while still receiving care in our pediatric clinic.This will include taking responsibility for their own medical decision-making, scheduling appointments, consenting to medical care, and sharing their personal health information. For families with youth who need additional assistance, we encourage parents to apply for guardianship so they can continue to coordinate their child’s health care needs.

Pediatric Tips for Successful Transition

  1. Start planning the transition early
    • At least by age 14 years
    • Determine need for guardianship
    • Enroll your son or daughter in the pediatric transition registry
  2. Talk with your pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner about transition
    • Transition Checklist is complete every two years in pediatric clinic
    • Discuss completion of transition by age 22 years for most youth
  3. Identify how your child or teen can be involved in their health care, if possible
    • Make their own appointments
    • Manage their own medications
    • Carry an insurance card
    • Carry a care plan
  4. Enroll in the Health Care Home
  5. Sign up foryour child’s MyChart and learn how to use the information
  6. Talk to your child’s primary doctor and his pediatric specialty doctors about how to choose an adult primary doctor and adult specialty doctors
  7. Guarantee insurance coverage for your son or daughter