Transition Skills
During transition, you have to become responsible for your own health and healthcare decisions.
What does it mean to be “responsible for your own health”?
Being responsible for your health means that it is up to you to do all the things that help keep you well:
- You keep track of, arrange transportation for, and attend all medical appointments
- You know your medical history and monitor for symptoms of your disease
- You know what to do or who to call when you are having symptoms of a disease “flare”
- Call the IBD Nurse and report your symptoms
- Call your IBD Specialist/Gastroenterologist to make an appointment
- Call your Family Doctor or General Practitioner to make an appointment
- If you are really sick or cannot wait until the office is open, go to emergency
- Take your medication as prescribed (see medication section)
- Pay for your medications or find out about insurance coverage
- Make decisions about your health
- During appointments, you talk about any health issues you are experiencing
Planning for insurance changes
Planning for insurance changes is an important part of transition, as medications can be very expensive. In adult care, medications (including biologics) are not covered by the provincial health plan. It is important to look into your insurance options BEFORE you turn 18, as you may need to purchase or apply for extra insurance. If you are on a biologic, a support coordinator can help you with the insurance transition.
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