Study Finds Challenges To Obtaining Specialized Pediatric Care in Calif.
California children experience more difficulties obtaining sub-specialized pediatric care than children in any other state, according to a study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, HealthyCal reports.
Sub-specialty pediatricians care for children who require treatment in cardiology, endocrinology and other areas.
Study Findings
The study -- funded by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health -- found that California has only one sub-specialty pediatrician for every 5,464 children.
It also found persistent disparities in access to pediatric sub-specialty care related to:
- Type of insurance coverage;
- Geographic location;
- Language spoken at home; and
- Race and ethnicity.
In addition, the study found that:
- Children enrolled in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, often wait longer to see sub-specialists because of the health care providers' unwillingness to participate in the program; and
- Uninsured children have the most difficulties obtaining sub-specialized pediatric care (Ramirez, HealthyCal, 4/24).