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- Pediatric to Adult Transition for Hemoglobinopathies (PATH)
Welcome to PATH
Welcome to PATH, IHTC’s pediatric to adult transition program for people with hemoglobinopathies! Moving from childhood to adulthood involves many changes. For a young person with a lifelong condition like sickle cell disease or thalassemia, part of this process also includes preparing for a change from pediatric to adult healthcare.
As you journey through the PATH program, you will use your very own passport to track the progress you are making. We look forward to working with you as you celebrate many important milestones:
- Becoming an expert in your diagnosis
- Building confidence with independent clinic visits
- Learning about insurance, pharmacies, and speaking for yourself
- Making healthy lifestyle choices while accomplishing your school and work goals
Resources
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE ADULT HOSPITAL? >
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICAID AFTER 18 >
LIVING WELL WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN COLLEGE >
INDIANA COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS >
TIPS FOR TEENS: MANAGING MONEY >
CAREER AND EDUCATION RESOURCES >
Who is on my Transition team?
- Most importantly, YOU! Transition is an individual process, and we want to work with you toward independence
- Your family and friends can be valuable resources as you transition to adult care
- Your medical team members (physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses) help guide you through the healthcare transition process
- Program coordinators, social workers, and career counselors provide support both in and out of clinic
Indiana Sickle Cell Consortium
Am I able to talk about my health information?
- I know my diagnosis
- I know the names of my medicines and how to take them
- I keep track of my medical appointments using a calendar or my phone
- I can recognize a medical emergency and know where to go for help
Am I ready to take a larger role in my medical care?
- I know which pharmacy I use and how to call for medication refills
- I know what kind of health insurance I have and how to contact my insurance company
- I have chosen an adult hematologist
Have I identified future goals?
- I have thought about what I want to do after age 18
- I have talked with a career counselor or school counselor about the steps needed to achieve these goals
- I have talked with friends and family about support for my goals
- I know that making healthy lifestyle choices will help me meet my goals
"The staff is amazing. Especially when you are a new patient. I felt like I was at home and people really cared."
"We're thrilled to be at a practice that values the details of patient care--even after we walk out the door. It's such a relief to know that the staff follows through."
"IHTC has been incredibly supportive, and I cannot imagine my hemophilia care without IHTC."
"The staff at IHTC have always been kind and courteous in all their interactions with me. My questions and concerns are always answered promptly and correctly."
"This practice has to be one of the best I have ever encountered in my 75 years. They are proactive. I have been treated with kindness, respect, and dignity."
"All of the medical staff, including physicians, physician assistants, and office employees genuinely care about and respect their patients. I feel fortunate to be a patient."
"All of the staff I came in contact with were very nice and helpful. I felt welcomed from the time I walked in the door until I left."
"Been a patient for more than twenty years. I have always been treated well by everyone in the office."
"The center has checked all the boxes when it comes to providing proficient medical care."