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The federally funded national resource center on health care transition (HCT). Its aim is to improve the transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of evidence-driven strategies for clinicians and other health care professionals; public health programs; payers and plans; youth and young adults; and parents and caregivers.

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What Is Health Care Transition?

Health care transition, or HCT, is the process of getting ready for health care as an adult.

During childhood, your parents and caregivers usually help with your health and health care needs-they call for appointments, fill out forms, and keep track of medications. As you get older, managing those needs becomes your own responsibility. Achieving this independence requires an organized transition process to gain independent health care skills, prepare for an adult model of care, and transfer to new clinicians.

See below for tools, resources, and Frequently Asked Questions to help guide your transition to adult-centered health care.

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Transitioning to adult health care is a big step in your life. Got Transition® has tools and resources for you to help make it a smooth process!

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If you haven't already done so,

Learn about your health condition, medications, and allergies.

Ask your health care provider questions about your health.

Ask your health care provider if and at what age they no longer care for young adults.

Learn about transition resources that are important for you.

Update your health information on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Transition Resources

PDF for printing

Copyright © Got Transition®. Non-commercial use is permitted, but requires attribution to Got Transition for any use, copy, or adaption.
Got Transition (GotTransition.org) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (U1TMC31756). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

If you haven't already done so,

Find out what you know about your health, health care, and family medical history by completing the Got Transition's Transition Readiness Assessment.

Carry your own health insurance card and list of current medications.

Learn how to talk about your health conditions, what to do in case of an emergency, and create a plan.

Practice making a health care provider appointment and ordering prescription refills (either by phone, online, or through an app).

Begin to see your health care provider alone for part of the health care provider's visit to help gain independence in managing your health, health care, and review your transition readiness assessment during your appointment.

Update your health information on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Transition Resources

PDF for printing

Copyright © Got Transition®. Non-commercial use is permitted, but requires attribution to Got Transition for any use, copy, or adaption.
Got Transition (GotTransition.org) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (U1TMC31756). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

If you haven't already done so,

Make appointments with your health care provider, see the health care provider alone for at least part of the visit to gain independence, ask the health care provider any questions you have, and refill medications.

the health care provider to talk with you about your privacy rights when you turn 18.

Work with your health care provider to make a medical history summary. Keep a copy for yourself.

Learn how to use electronic health records to manage your health and wellness.

Make sure another adult you trust has access to your health records.

Learn about consent for treatment and consent to share your health records

Before you turn 18 and become a legal adult, figure out if you will need legal guardianship and/or supported decision making to help with health care decisions.

Before you turn 18, speak with your parent/caregiver about the age you want to meet and transfer to a new health care provider for adult care.

Update your health information on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Transition Resources

PDF for printing

Copyright © Got Transition®. Non-commercial use is permitted, but requires attribution to Got Transition for any use, copy, or adaption.
Got Transition (GotTransition.org) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (U1TMC31756). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Things to consider:

You are a legal adult at age 18 and are legally responsible for your care unless other legal arrangements have been made. Parents/Caregivers cannot access your medical information or be in the health care provider's visit unless you give consent or a parent/caregiver has guardianship rights.

Learn how to use electronic health records to manage your health and wellness.

Make sure another adult you trust has access to your health records.

Obtain necessary consent so that the adult you trust can access your health records in an emergency.

Work with your current health care provider to find a new adult health care provider, if needed. Make sure that the new health care provider accepts your health insurance.

Update your medical history summary with your health care provider. Have your health care provider send the summary to your new adult health care provider. Keep a copy for yourself.

Call your new adult health care provider to schedule the first appointment. Make sure the new office has your medical information, contact information, and learn about the charges at the visit.

Learn if there are additional changes at 18 (for example: health insurance, Social Security Income) that affect you by reading the resources below or speaking to your care coordinator.

Consider establishing legal guardianship and/or supported decision making to help with health care decisions.

Update your health information on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Transition Resources

PDF for printing

Copyright © Got Transition®. Non-commercial use is permitted, but requires attribution to Got Transition for any use, copy, or adaption.
Got Transition (GotTransition.org) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (U1TMC31756). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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critical congenital heart disease cchd utah ut pulse oximetry newborn bloodspot (heelstick) screening training

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Utah CSHCN - Programs - Transition to Adulthood

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To assure quality health care and related services for children and youth with special needs and their families throughout the State of Utah

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Parent/Caregiver Healthcare Transition Quiz 

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Parent/Caregiver Healthcare Transition Quiz 

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Got Transition® - Parents & Caregivers - Health Care Transition Quiz

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Got Transition® offers several tools and resources for parents and caregivers to help their youth and young adults transition smoothly to adult health care.

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College Readiness & Postsecondary Training

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College Readiness & Postsecondary Training