AAP Voices

Manhattan Pediatrics is a private practice in Manhattan. Our office clinic serves a diverse population of several thousand patients and families from all five NYC boroughs as well as surrounding suburban areas. 

Recognizing the need to be available for our families and to continue immunizations, we have remained open, doing well visits for children 15-months-old and younger. We also are conducting telemedicine visits. 

However, our office visits have decreased by about 85%.

We are trying to help all of our families cope with COVID-19 — managing families with a sick parent or child and counseling all our families who are worried about the disease and are trying to navigate New York’s stay-at-home order. 

Our many patients with special healthcare needs are facing particular challenges. With only virtual schooling available, many of these children are struggling. 

For instance, children with autism aren’t getting the crucial services they get at school. And many home services are not being provided, causing challenging behavioral issues for some of our parents.

This is also a very difficult time for anyone with chronic medical conditions, including anxiety disorder.

While we accept many private insurance plans, we do not see patients with Medicare. Thus, like most pediatricians, we are not eligible for CARES Act Provider Relief Fund payments. 

With fewer patient visits and unchanged fixed costs, it’s challenging for us to continue our mission of caring for children. 

We urge our government to provide relief funds specifically earmarked for pediatric practices.

We need to continue vaccinating and providing care to our patients. We must avoid the health-related collateral damage from this pandemic.  

Send in your COVID-19 pandemic story, and we may share it here and on our social media channels. https://bit.ly/2XVvJIu