AAP Voices Blog

I am a pediatrician in Columbia, Mo., and have been for 42 years. I am in solo practice and I take call with my colleague, John Wilson, whose story I just read on the AAP blog. 

My business is also down 60%, and I also received a PPP loan. I have only 2.5 FTEs, but it is going to be hard to manage when the money dries up.

I am seeing many more Medicaid patients, and we also give away some free care. Unfortunately, Missouri is one of the few states that did not expand Medicaid, which adds to the burden.

What I am most concerned about is what we are going to do this fall when the influenza season begins. We have point of care (POC) testing for influenza and strep throat, but really need it for COVID-19 as well.

To say the least, this is a trying time.

One thing the government could do, which I have preached for years, is to provide all vaccines free to pediatricians for all patients, not just those in the Vaccines for Children Program.

This would help ensure that all children have easy access to immunizations. Vaccines are a huge expense in our office and I would assume in all pediatric offices.

Thanks for the opportunity to vent my frustrations. 

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*The views expressed in this article are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.