This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services E-mail this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My File Cabinet Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by James, H. Search for Related Content

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Surgical specialists have knowledge, training to provide best care

The pediatrician plays a pivotal role in the structure of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and referral systems in health care. Being correctly informed about training and credentialing of specialty pediatric surgeons allows the primary care pediatrician to properly initiate or influence referral by an HMO or other health care organization that otherwise may limit or exclude pediatric specialists who can treat children within that plan.

As medical care evolved during the 20th century, it became apparent that the diseases of infants and children were different than those of adults. As a consequence, the training of physicians in pediatrics developed. This evolution later was formalized by the creation of the American Board of Pediatrics and the establishment of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This dedication by a group of physicians to the well-being and development of children in the discipline of pediatrics is now well-recognized.¹