PASSAGES Hematology Transition Program

The PASSAGES Transition Program bridges pediatric and adult care for people with red blood cell disorders and other rare blood diseases.

This program helps teens with blood disorders prepare to transition from their pediatric hematology team to adult specialists. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, this process involves more than changing doctors. We help you take an active role in your care and learn how to navigate challenges. Our approach helps maximize your well-being for years to come.

What Is a Health Care Transition?

Transition is a natural part of growing up. In health care, it is a process where patients move from a pediatric care team to an adult one.

Here’s what this means for you:

  • Age: The transition process typically starts sometime between the ages of 12 and 21. The timing that’s right for you depends on your care needs, motivation and, sometimes, insurance coverage.
  • What changes: You gradually take responsibility for managing your care, learn how to make medical decisions and find out how to access help if needed.
  • How we help: CHLA’s transition team gives young adults and their caregivers all the information and support necessary for a smooth transition. Our offerings include a special transition clinic where we walk you through each stage of the process.

Who Is the PASSAGES Hematology Transition Program For?

Transitions services may be right for you if you are receiving services from our Cancer and Blood Disease Institute for:

  • Bone marrow failure
  • Hemophilia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassemia
  • Thrombosis
  • Rare red blood cell disorders
  • von Willebrand disease

Our Hematology Transition Clinic

The Transition Clinic is separate from the Hematology clinics you are already going to for care and follow-up. We use a team approach to provide information to help you navigate future care needs with ease.

Your transition clinic team includes a:

  • Doctor
  • Case manager
  • Nurse care manager
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Social worker

How We Help Bridge Pediatric and Adult Hematology Care

We provide you with copies of your medical record and important test results to share with your new care team. You also receive a letter to give to them. The letter introduces us as your pediatric care team and lets your new doctors know that we are available to answer questions.

Our team helps ensure a smooth transition by:

  • Performing outreach: These efforts help L.A. community adult doctors prepare to meet the unique needs of young adults with rare hematology disorders. Through ongoing communication and shared expertise, we are building trusting partnerships that help you receive high-quality adult care.
  • Sharing information with you: We ask doctors about their specialties, office policies, hospital admitting privileges and more. This information helps you know what to expect and choose the adult doctors who best meet your needs.

More Information About Transitioning to Adult Care

During Hematology Transition Clinic appointments, we provide all the information you need to successfully transition to adult care. Here’s what to expect:

Education

We explain your:

  • Diagnosis
  • Health history, including any genetic conditions you have or are at risk for
  • Current and future health care needs, including ongoing follow-up care and what to do if you start feeling sick

Self-care and advocacy

The team helps you take the first steps in managing your care by working together to:

  • Find an adult primary care provider
  • Select other adult specialists you may need, including a hematologist familiar with your diagnosis
  • Learn how your insurance coverage works and whether you may need a different insurance plan once you reach a certain age
  • Ask for help when necessary, which may include talking with a manager at your new doctor’s office
  • Review your medical bills and determine what you need to pay (if anything)

Thank You to Our Funders

The PASSAGES Hematology Transition Program is pleased to acknowledge the Rauch Family Foundation and the Italian Catholic Federation for their support and generosity.

Hematology Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

At Children’s Hospital, your child has access to innovative treatments and leading-edge care for blood diseases. Learn more about our Hematology programs and services.

Contact us

The Cancer and Blood Disease Institute welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please call us to make an appointment.

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