Adult Congenital Heart Disease
The teen years are a time of transitions. Teens progress from child to adult, from learner to teacher, and from dependence to independence. They learn the life skills they need to make these changes. Teens with congenital heart defects may continue to have heart problems or may develop new concerns. They may need to continue consulting with a congenital heart specialist.
When a Child with Congenital Heart Disease Becomes an Adult: The Road to Transition of Care
Adolescents with congenital heart disease face different challenges than adults. We have a dedicated Transition of Care program that helps young patients move from a pediatric congenital heart disease program to the Mount Sinai Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center.
Our Transition Program serves patients who are at least 15 years old. We begin transitioning patients to an adult congenital heart disease specialist while they are still seeing their pediatric cardiologists at the Children’s Heart Center at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. Our team assesses the patient’s cardiac educational level. Then we teach the patient about their condition through a one-on-one visit with a transition nurse, via written material, or both. We develop an individualized plan to enable the patient to take control of their own health care decisions as they enter adulthood. The transition process can take several visits.
We encourage you and your family to discuss the transition process with your medical providers. Responsibility for all medical care will shift from parents to the young adult. Young adults will take control of all health-related decisions and will sign all consent forms. Health care providers will need patients’ permission to speak with their parents. Insurance companies, too, will also need permission to speak with a parent. This is true even if the parent is the policy holder or paying the bills.
We will work closely with you and your family to help you navigate the changes that come with this transition. Mount Sinai provides more than treatment. We offer dedicated education and support to give you the best health care possible throughout your life.
Why Choose Children’s Heart Center?
At Children’s Heart Center, we use a team-based approach to medicine. Our cardiologists work with a variety of cardiac specialists to address complex medical issues. Our cardiologists work closely with Mount Sinai's Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center which is ranked as one of the top cardiovascular centers in the United States. Because of our relationship with Mount Sinai’s surgical and interventional doctors, we can consult with world-class specialists immediately and provide care with outstanding results.
Children’s Heart Center offers exceptional support services for you and your family. Our social workers and counselors provide emotional support and tips for healthy living. In addition, our staff and doctors are always available to answer your questions.