Analysis of workforce, distribution of care, and practice preference in pediatric plastic surgery.

Abstract

To determine the future needs in manpower for pediatric care as it relates to pediatric specialists, a study was conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics to see the needs of manpower that will provide access of pediatric care to all. A pediatric plastic surgery survey was set in the form of a list of questions that was mailed to the respective societies with pediatric plastic surgeons as members. The survey was reviewed, and the results were studied. The outcome is presented in the form of findings related to the overall practice of plastic surgery. Based on the percentage of pediatric care that is provided, there were two types of pediatric plastic surgeons. Those with the high percentage of pediatric care tend to stay near health science centers; however, both groups tend to spend time (each to a different extent) tending to other plastic surgery problems. Today we have adequate access to care in the health system for pediatric plastic surgery problems despite the shift in the health care environment. Managed care continues to use the pediatrician as a "gatekeeper" in determining the overall access for patients with problems related to pediatric plastic surgery.