Hours on hold, limited appointments: Why California babies aren’t going to the doctor

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Most California kids rely on Medi-Cal for vital preventive care, but many are missing necessary health screenings because of trouble accessing its services.

Maria Mercado’s 5- and 7-year-old daughters haven’t been to the doctor for a check-up in two years. And it’s not for lack of trying. Mercado, a factory worker in South Los Angeles, has called the pediatrician’s office over and over hoping to book an appointment for a well-child visit, only to be told there are no appointments available and to call back in a month. Sometimes, she waits on hold for an hour.

Eighteen out of 25 plans were fined $25,000-$890,000 for poor performance, including for children's health. Parents and advocates say getting care for children remains a daily challenge. About 11 million Californians live in a primary care shortage area, where a pediatrician can be difficult to find. “It’s most of the state, not just the Central Valley,” said Kathryn E. Phillips, an associate director at the California Health Care Foundation.

 

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