Youth Suicide Prevention

Transition Readiness is a time for the adolescent to begin to assume more responsibility on an active basis and to the best of their ability. During this time parents and health care providers can support and encourage the transition to adult health care by following the steps listed below.

1. Making Health a Priority

• Empower and prepare youth by helping them learn about health and how to maintain health by living a healthy lifestyle.
• Discuss the importance of preventive health care by getting regular check-ups, wellness exams, screenings, and vaccinations

2. Understanding Health Coverage

• Health Coverage or Insurance pays for provider services, medications, hospital care, medical equipment, preventive care, vaccinations, and annual or wellness exams. 
• Options for health insurance depend on multiple factors including age, state, income, employment status, & other individual circumstances.
• Health coverage costs that one is responsible for include premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance.

3. Finding a Primary Care Provider (PCP)

• Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, family physicians, etc. PCPs are vital in preventing, maintaining, and managing one’s health. 
• Discuss and collaborate with current pediatrician, family, and friends to help find an appropriate adult provider. 
• Check with health plan to see if the provider is in-network.

4. Scheduling an Appointment

• Call PCPs office to schedule appointment as a new patient to establish care. 
• Be prepared to provide name, date of birth, reason for visit, and health coverage information. 
• Complete any forms/paperwork online before visit or arrive early for your first appointment.

5. Preparing for the Visit

• Bring photo identification (driver’s license, passport, government or school ID) and health insurance card. 
• Learn about your health history, which includes family, medical, and surgical history.
• Write down and questions you want to ask your PCP, so you don’t forget during the visit.

Health Care Transition Resources:

• Community Living – Oklahoma Family Network
• Training – Oklahoma Family Network
• Health Care Transition (ouhsc.edu)
• Coverage to Care | CMS