Survey of primary care pediatricians on the transition and transfer of adolescents to adult health care.

The transition and transfer from pediatrics to adult health care of youth with and without special health care needs has become a focus of professional organizations, health care insurers, national policy makers, and providers. To understand transition and transfer at a primary care practice level, all primary care pediatricians in Rhode Island were surveyed. Responses were received from 103 of 169 (60.9%) practicing pediatricians. Few responders had practice policies on transfer. Most reported that transition should begin later than recommended. Few practices communicated with adult providers at transfer. Most reported that health insurers were of little help in transfer. Many pediatric practices had young adults after age 22 and many with special needs. Responders reported adolescents left their practices by 1 of 6 methods. The survey indicates the need for further study of transition and transfer and the need for additional training and education if transfers are to be successful.