A Recommended Approach to the Young Adult with Growth Hormone Deficiency Transitioning to Your Adult Endocrinology Practice
A patient transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Endocrinology is a special situation. A team approach can be very effective.
The patient is not yet fully initiated into the “adult model” and may require assistance and support.
Parents should be allowed to attend appointments if the patient desires, especially initially. It is recommended that the patient complete a visitor information form to inform the new provider who, if anyone, can attend appointments. Consider asking the patient to sign a form allowing the healthcare team to communicate with the patient’s parents.
Extra consideration in scheduling and confirming the appointment may be necessary.
The patient may also need assistance with:
The new healthcare team should greet the patient with the awareness that s/he is transferring care and provide support and assistance with the check-in process and paperwork.
Review HIPAA and determine if parents/others are permitted to receive/hear information about the transitioning young adult.
Review contact information during office hours and for evenings/weekends in case questions arise or for any urgent management issues.
Review the clinical summary with the patient or, if the patient is transitioning without a summary from her/his prior physician, cover the items on the clinical summary during the history process.
Ask about any concerns or questions: If you have a fact sheet on the topic of interest, consider providing it to the patient.
Discuss care plan for ongoing follow-up:
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