The staff helped the boy's mother make an appointment with Dr. Greenwood, a pediatrician at Seton East, who saw the boy that week. The boy was scheduled for heart surgery in June. Now she understands how to do it and is out of our loop and into the correct loop. Many patients, says Dr. Needham, are qualified to receive care under a public or private program or insurance, but for one of many reasons they have not been able to access the care. For families that have not traditionally sought care except in emergencies, healthcare systems can be very confusing.
Transportation is a problem, along with language and job hours.
And if you have to make appointments over the phone, and you have no phone at home, or have to make arrangements with a relative or friend for transportation, that can be a real barrier to receiving appropriate care. Skippy Express coordinator Cathy Scarbrough adds that a big part of their mission is helping families overcome these barriers. Clear communication with providers and insurers can make a big difference. Those with insurance are referred to private pediatricians. Staff members follow up with a phone call later to find out if the parents have succeeded in getting care for the children.