The Causes And Consequences Of A Decline In Doctors Going Into Pediatric Care
This video from PBS discusses the declining number of medical school graduates choosing pediatrics as their specialty, leading to a shortage of pediatric care providers across the United States. It highlights the experiences of parents facing long wait times and limited access to pediatric specialists. The video also features an interview with Dr. Sallie Permar, who explains the reasons behind this decline, including lower pay for pediatricians compared to adult doctors and issues with insurance reimbursement rates. The consequences of this shortage on children's health and potential solutions are also explored.
Video Summary
Shortage of Pediatric Care Providers
[0:00] The number of medical school graduates applying for residency programs has reached a record high, but fewer are choosing pediatrics.
[0:09] There's already a shortage of pediatric specialists in areas like neurology and pulmonology, resulting in long waits or long drives for specialized care.
[0:22] Parents are experiencing difficulties in scheduling routine well-child checks and accessing specialized care for their children.
Impact on Families
[0:56] A parent shares an emergency experience where follow-up care with a neurologist was delayed by several months.
[1:29] Long waitlists for specialized evaluations, such as neuro-psych evaluations for children with autism, are common.
[1:56] Some families are forced to drive long distances to access pediatric care, which becomes an ongoing burden for follow-up appointments.
Reasons for the Decline in Pediatric Residents
[3:12] Dr. Sallie Permar explains that medical school graduates with significant debt must consider the economics of paying off debt while setting up their practice.
[3:48] Pediatricians are paid at a lower level compared to adult doctors, despite having the same amount of training and debt.
[3:52] Lower reimbursement rates for pediatric services, particularly from Medicaid insurance, contribute to lower salaries for pediatricians.
Consequences of Limited Access to Pediatric Care
[4:21] Dr. Permar emphasizes the importance of early investment in health, well-being, and disease prevention for long-term benefits.
[4:32] Limited access to preventive care measures in early life can lead to societal costs in the adult population.
[5:01] Rural areas and high cost-of-living districts face particular challenges in attracting pediatric providers.
Potential Solutions and Future Outlook
[6:37] Dr. Permar suggests that the charm of working with children is no longer enough to attract people to the field of pediatrics.
[6:43] Addressing the lower Medicaid reimbursement rates is proposed as one potential solution to the shortage.
[6:51] The Center for Medicare Services is urged to reconsider how pediatric services are valued, particularly emphasizing preventive care over surgical procedures.