How do I find new providers when my child turns 18?

If your child is turning 18 and needs to transition from pediatric care to an adult provider, you may have to search for new providers. First, check whether your child can continue seeing their current specialists. If not, ask your current providers for referrals and ask other parents in your community who they'd recommend.

Once you’ve created a list of potential providers, take time to verify that they're in-network with your insurance and accepting new patients. When you reach out to providers, here are some questions to help you in your search:

• What percentage of your patients are young adults with disabilities?
• Are your facilities accessible for mobility devices or other accommodations?
• Do you have experience managing care for individuals with my child’s specific diagnosis?
• Have you had experience working with young adults who have conditions similar to my child’s?
• How many of your patients have disabilities or long-term health conditions?
• Are you comfortable managing the specific diagnosis and care plan my child needs?
• Would you be open to learning about our specific medical equipment and needs as a family?
• If necessary, do you have a network of specialists you can refer us to?
• What’s your approach when transitioning a patient from pediatric care to adult care?
• How do you work with families to develop personalized care plans for patients?
• Can you assist us with any insurance or billing questions that might arise?
• How easy is it to reach you if we have questions or need urgent follow-up care?

For more tips, see our full article Transitioning to an Adult Care Team and work through our step-by-step walkthrough to help you find a new provider.