THE ROLE OF THE PEDIATRIC PULMONARY PHYSICIAN IN THE AMERICAN HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

Citation
Ed. Crandall et al., THE ROLE OF THE PEDIATRIC PULMONARY PHYSICIAN IN THE AMERICAN HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM, American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 155(4), 1997, pp. 1486-1488
Citations number
NO
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Emergency Medicine & Critical Care","Respiratory System
ISSN journal
1073-449X
Volume
155
Issue
4
Year of publication
1997
Pages
1486 - 1488
Database
ISI
SICI code
1073-449X(1997)155:4<1486:TROTPP>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
The pediatric pulmonary physician (PPP) represents a unique regional s ubspecialty resource for health care providers and for children with b reathing disorders and their families. There are currently fewer than 600 board certified PPPs in the United States; they are distributed th roughout the country, predominantly in large urban population centers. There is one pediatric pulmonologist for every 280,000 children in th e United States. Eighty-five percent are either in full-time academic positions or affiliated with medical school-related service and traini ng programs. Fifteen percent are exclusively in private practice. Pedi atric pulmonary physicians interface with primary care practitioners t o provide consultative evaluation and comprehensive management of chil dren with challenging, uncommon, complex, and/or severe respiratory co nditions. They also interface with pulmonologists in internal medicine to ensure a continuum of care for children with respiratory problems once they reach adulthood. The vast majority serve in multiple capacit ies, providing clinical services, teaching health care professionals a nd trainees, conducting research, and providing: medical direction for pediatric pulmonary function, exercise, and sleep laboratories and pe diatric departments of respiratory care. This document describes the t raining of the pediatric pulmonary physician and the roles of the PPP as an integral member of the American health care system. It emphasize s the relationships that the PPP has with health care professionals, c ommunity agencies, hospitals, and with the children and their families .