New research suggests if a child sees the same doctor consistently for six months, they're more likely to get all of the recommended preventive screenings by age two. The study, which was conducted by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, looked at the care given to 1,564 Medicaid-insured infants born at three hospitals in their region. Researchers found that children who saw the same pediatrician for six months received screens for treatable illnesses like lead poisoning, anemia and tuberculosis more reliably. In response to their findings, researchers recommended that parents increase the number of times they bring their children to primary care providers.
To learn more about the study:
- read this Philadelphia Inquirer piece [1]
Related Articles:
Pediatric specialist MDs in short supply. Report [2]
Hospitals invest in pediatric EDs. Report [3]
Pilot program to monitor pediatric health. Report [4]
Study: Pediatric vaccine supply 'precarious.' Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/16378741.html
[2] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/trend-pediatric-specialist-mds-short-supply/2007-09-25
[3] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/hospitals-invest-in-pediatric-ers/2006-09-21
[4] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/pilot-program-to-monitor-pediatric-health/2006-09-20?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=healthcare_preventative%20care
[5] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/study-pediatric-vaccine-supply-39-precarious-39/2005-05-10