“We need federal policy to address practice transformation: e-cigarette regulation, opioid abuse, vaccine refusal, gun control, drug pricing, graduate medical education reform,” Dr. Young said. “There are so many issues.”
She noted past legislative wins, including the Affordable Care Act – which garnered applause – for providing access to care and insurance to more people than ever before, and the CHIP Reauthorization Act, extending CHIP funding through 2017.
After describing challenges she’s heard pediatricians are facing in their practices, Dr. Young said some could become opportunities.
“For us to succeed in meeting children’s needs, we need to address our own concerns,” she said. “We need to ensure that we, primary care, specialty, subspecialty, whether you’re in a small independent practice or a large integrated system, have the resources and information to continue to provide the care for our most vulnerable population.”
Dr. Young suggested that offering virtual visits and partnering with telemedicine companies to maintain patients’ continuity of care might comprise one such opportunity, particularly if these services require payment to increase revenue since pediatricians have been providing after-hours care for free for years. She also suggested partnering with retail-based clinics, providing clinical knowledge and knowledge of the community.
“On the federal level, the Academy needs to remain a strong voice and continue to collaborate with other organized medical associations,” Dr. Young continued. “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid respond to physician concerns, especially when presented by a unified front of physicians working together.”
She exhorted pediatricians never to forget how important they are to the children and families they care for.
“What do children need? They need us,” Dr. Young said to applause. “We pediatricians have a reputation for fairness, and we focus on the right priorities. Our children need us.”