Transitioning to an Adult Neurology Provider

• At age 13, we begin to change from a “pediatric” model of care—where parents make most decisions—to an “adult” model of care—where teens start to make more decisions.
• To help your child start to make healthcare decisions, we may spend time during visits with them without you present.
• Adulthood legally begins at age 18. At that time, your teen’s consent will be required to discuss any personal health information with family members.
  
  If your teen has a condition that prevents healthcare decision-making, you need to consider legal options to become responsible for their decision-making. This can be a long process and should be finalized before your teen turns 18. Our social workers can help answer questions as you go through this process.
• You can find resources on our webpage:
  seattlechildrens.org/patients-families/transitioning-adult-healthcare
• Think about having your teen’s first adult neurology appointment before their last neurology appointment at Seattle Children’s.
• Most of our providers see teens until they turn 18. With rare exceptions, we do not provide ongoing care after your child reaches age 21.

We will help you plan to transition to an adult provider. We will do the following:

• Assess if your child is ready for transition
• Help identify an adult provider
• Send a referral and medical records
• Explain your teen’s unique medical needs to the new neurology provider

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.