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Treating the whole patient, not the ailment
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My greatest concerns regarding retail clinics as it relates to pediatricians — especially those in general clinical practice — revolve around the importance of longitudinal care within a practice for the well-being of the patient and his or her family.
Despite the sound bites, our patients do not come to us with a diagnosis but rather a problem. Although a sore throat could be streptococcal pharyngitis, it may, in fact, be a host of different things; even if it is a common illness like ‘strep throat’ or an ‘ear infection;’ those diagnoses have a variety of patient and familial implications that are not always simple nor generally well served by a walk-in center.
There is also concern over the pediatric expertise offered in these settings. The reason these services are offered in a retail setting is primarily to generate a profit for the retail entity rather than to contribute to an established patient/family-pediatrician relationship that is forged to ensure overall wellness.
Current general pediatric practice is difficult, and there needs to be a broader understanding of the difficulties our patients face with access — both timely and at “off-hours.” However, taking away areas from current practice that contribute to practice revenue flow, which are often used to cover important services that are not reimbursable, is a significant practice concern.
- For more information:
- William T. Gerson, MD, is clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and a member of the Infectious Diseases in Children Editorial Board. He can be reached at 52 Timber Lane, S. Burlington, VT 05403; email: William.Gerson@uvm.edu.
Disclosure: Gerson reports no relevant financial disclosures.