Frequently Asked Questions

The UC Health Lifespan Care Program is a system-wide framework built to support young adults with pediatric-onset conditions as they move into adult healthcare. Rather than a single, one-size-fits-all clinic, the program connects a network of specialty-specific pathways. 

Find common questions our patients and their families have about this transition.

About the Lifespan Care Program

What support does the Lifespan Care Program provide?

As part of a coordinated, system-wide approach, each specialty follows its own transition pathway built on the shared foundation to:

• Teach patients how to manage their daily health needs
• Help them understand health insurance and navigate healthcare systems
• Prepare them for emergencies
• Teach them how to access community resources

Does it cost to enroll in the program?

There is no extra fee to join the program. Any medical services you receive will be handled through the standard billing process for your care. 

Who will help me through the transition?

UC Health providers and specialists who understand the needs of young adults transitioning to adult care will support patients' and families' ongoing needs. Depending on the specialty, this may also include a dedicated care coordinator.

What happens during the transition process?

The UC Health Lifespan Care Program follows a structured process to help young adults move from pediatric to adult healthcare. Here's what patients and care partners can expect:

• Referral. The process begins when you're referred to the Lifespan Care Program, often by your pediatric care team as you approach the age when adult care typically begins.
• Enrollment. Once referred, you're identified as part of the Lifespan Care Program and connected with the pathway that fits your specialty and health needs.
• Scheduling. Our scheduling and access team will help get you scheduled with the right adult care providers for your situation.
• Preparation. Before your appointment, you'll have a chance to prepare, including reviewing what to expect and gathering the information your new care team will need.
• First appointment. You'll arrive at your first adult care appointment ready to begin building a relationship with your new provider.

Can the program help me understand my health insurance?

Yes. The program provides guidance on understanding health insurance and can help make insurance verification easier to manage.

Can the program help me schedule appointments?

Yes. The program helps with scheduling appointments, making the healthcare system easier to understand and manage.

What resources are available during my transition?

The program provides resources, educational tools and support materials across each specialty's care pathway.

The University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) offers a range of educational classes on important topics, some in person and some online. Learn more:  https://www.facebook.com/UcUcedd/

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Preparing for Adult Care

When should I begin preparing for adult healthcare?

Transition planning often begins during the teenage years, allowing plenty of time to build independence and confidence before transferring care. Take the Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment: https://gottransition.org/youth-and-young-adults/hct-quiz.cfm.

Transition vs. Transfer: What's the Difference?

Transition

Transition is the ongoing process of preparing for adult healthcare while you’re still seeing pediatric providers. It includes:

• Learning about your medical condition and treatments
• Developing self-advocacy skills
• Understanding insurance and healthcare systems
• Increasing independence in managing appointments and medications
• Building confidence in communicating with healthcare providers

Transfer of Care

Transfer of care is the final step in the process—the actual move from a pediatric provider to an adult healthcare provider.

Our goal is to make both the transition and transfer process as smooth and successful as possible.

At what age will I move to adult providers?

The timing varies by specialty and individual needs, but many patients transfer between the ages of 18 and 26.

Can my parent or caregiver still attend appointments?

Yes. Adult patients can choose to involve parents, caregivers or other support people in appointments and healthcare decisions.

What if I'm not ready to manage my healthcare independently?

That's exactly why transition planning exists. Our team helps patients gradually build skills over time so you’re ready on your own timeline.

Will my medical records transfer automatically?

We suggest working with your pediatric providers to co-create a detailed summary of your medical history to support the transfer of medical records.

Do I need a primary care physician?

Yes. Adult specialists typically focus on specific conditions, so having an adult primary care provider who can manage your overall health and wellness is important.

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Outpatient Care

What changes in outpatient care visits?

Adult healthcare often works differently from pediatric care. Understanding these differences can help make the transition easier.

Pediatric Care

• Parents or caregivers are there for most visits
• Parents often explain medical history and medications
• Parents make decisions with you
• Parents schedule appointments and refill prescriptions
• Parents often manage insurance and billing
• Pediatric specialists may provide aspects of primary care

Adult Care

• You typically meet with providers by yourself, unless you choose to involve support people
• You explain your own medical history and symptoms
• You make healthcare decisions for yourself
• You schedule appointments and request medication refills
• You manage insurance information and healthcare costs
• Your medical information remains private unless you choose to share it
• Adult specialists often focus only on specialty care, so you'll need to continue with a primary care provider as well

How should I prepare for my first appointment?

Before your first adult care appointment, we encourage you to:

• Confirm your appointment time, building location and parking directions
• Write down a list of any questions
• Know your medications and allergies
• Carry your insurance card and information
• Keep personal health records organized
• Practice discussing your health concerns with providers
• Use patient portals and healthcare apps
• Understand when and how to seek emergency care

What should I bring to my first adult care appointment?

• Your insurance card
• Medication list
• Medical history information
• Questions or concerns
• Relevant medical records if requested

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Hospital Stays

What changes during a hospital stay?

If you've been hospitalized at a children's hospital, an adult hospital may feel different. Adult hospitals are designed for adult patients and may have different policies, room setups and expectations.

Adult hospitals may feel different because:

• Your healthcare team will communicate directly with you
• Parents and caregivers may have a different role than they did previously
• Room accommodations may differ from pediatric settings
• Adult care teams may be organized differently

In an adult hospital, you will be more responsible for:

• Speaking with doctors and nurses about your health
• Giving permission for procedures when appropriate
• Receiving discharge instructions
• Coordinating follow-up care
• Deciding who can access your health information

If you know you'll be admitted

Before a hospital stay, it's helpful to:

• Bring a current medication list
• Bring information about any medical equipment used at home
• Bring legal documents related to healthcare decision-making, if applicable
• Share important information about your condition and care preferences

What is a Complex Care/Hospital Medicine team?

If you are admitted to the hospital, you may be appropriate for a Complex Care Consult. You are encouraged to ask the team for a consult. The Complex Care/Hospital Medicine Adult Care team helps manage adult patients with pediatric-onset chronic conditions. Some of the ways this may occur include:

• Medical management – support for pediatric-onset conditions that the adult team may have limited experience managing
• Disposition – placement and discharge planning for complex cases
• Transition skills – helping patients/families navigate the adult care system
• Behavior management – planning for behavioral or sensory needs during admission

·         Resource support – Resource identification for patients with complex psychosocial needs and medical complexity

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Accessibility and Health Information

What if I have developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities?

The Lifespan Care Program works closely with patients, families and caregivers to make sure you have support systems throughout the transition process.

How do I access my health information?

Patients are encouraged to use My UC Health (or applicable patient portal) to view records, appointments, medications and test results.

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Referring Providers

Who is eligible for the UC Health Lifespan Care Program?

Young adults with chronic medical conditions, complex healthcare needs or ongoing specialty care needs may be appropriate candidates for referral.

How do I refer a patient?

Our team values partnerships with referring providers. Find simple referral instructions through the form linked below. When submitting the referral, please note “Lifespan Care/Transition” under “Other”.

Refer here.

What information should accompany the referral?

We suggest you include:

• Diagnosis and medical history
• Recent clinic notes
• Medication list
• Relevant testing and imaging
• Transition readiness assessment results

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