Juvenile Arthritis Transition: Smooth Move from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care

Moving from pediatric to adult rheumatology can feel like jumping into the deep end. You or your teen may worry about new doctors, different expectations, and managing medications. This archive month focuses on practical steps that make the shift easier—simple actions you can take now to avoid stress later.

Think of transition as preparation, not a one-time handoff. You start early, build skills, gather records, and practice talking about health. That makes the first adult visit less overwhelming and keeps treatment on track.

Practical checklist for the transition

Start with these concrete tasks. First, collect medical records: diagnoses, past clinic notes, lab results, imaging, and a clear current medication list with doses and when you take them. Second, make a plain summary of your disease course—what flares look like, effective treatments, and side effects you’ve had. Third, confirm vaccinations and how they were handled; adult clinics often need that info.

Next, work on skills. Practice describing symptoms without a parent speaking for you. Practice scheduling appointments, calling the pharmacy, and asking about refills. If you handle insurance soon, learn how to check coverage, co-pays, and prior authorization rules for biologics or other expensive meds.

How to prepare for adult rheumatology visits

Before your first adult visit, write down three goals you want from care. Are you focused on pain control, keeping mobility, or planning a family? Bring your records and a medication list. Send records to the new clinic ahead of time when possible; that helps the adult doctor prepare and avoids repeating tests.

Ask direct questions: What will change in follow-up frequency? Who manages prescriptions and refills? How do we contact the clinic in a flare? Clarify emergency plans—know when to go to urgent care and when to call your rheumatologist.

Expect differences: adult clinics may assume more independence and discuss long-term risks like fertility, contraception, and career choices. Be ready for those conversations and bring someone with you if you want support.

Medication management matters. Keep a single, updated medication list and note who prescribes each drug. If you’re on biologics or immune-suppressing meds, know the monitoring schedule—blood tests, TB screening, or liver checks—and make a plan to keep those on time.

Finally, build a small support plan. Identify one clinic staff contact, a local pharmacist who knows your treatments, and at least one friend or family member who can help if a flare makes self-care hard. Transition isn’t just paperwork—it’s learning to manage your health confidently. With a few clear steps, the move from pediatric to adult rheumatology can feel controlled and empowering rather than scary.