Florida Trend Exclusive
Pediatrics: No small problem
Florida has a shortage of pediatricians, and it's only going to get worse in the coming years. Florida has 2,954 pediatricians certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, treating 4.29 million children under 18. That's about one pediatrician for every 1,452 children, according to the board. In a January study, Florida TaxWatch said that in 2021, the supply of pediatricians met 94% of demand. By 2030, the supply of pediatricians is estimated to meet only 76% of demand. According to the pediatricians group, Florida is below average for the number of pediatricians per 100,000 children. [Source: Florida Trend]
The sad state of primary care in Florida: Frustrated patients want doctors to spend more time on their health
Patients in the Sunshine State crave a lasting relationship with a trusted primary care physician, but are exhausted and frustrated by the obstacles this presents. Not only do patients feel rushed at appointments, but they also feel frustrated trying to get an appointment. What is causing this sad state of primary care in Florida, and can it be fixed? [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida families seek consistent care after Medicaid winds down
Many Florida families are facing disruptions to their children's health care after mass disenrollments following the state's Medicaid elimination. It is estimated that around 550,000 children in Florida have lost their Medicaid coverage since May of last year, when the state began cutting enrollees. [Source: WUSF]
Federal appeals court allows Florida's ban on gender reassignment care for minors
A federal appeals court on Monday cleared Florida's path to enforcing a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, blocking a lower court order against the ban while the case is appealed. The 2-1 decision was made by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The law revived by the ruling prohibits transgender minors from being prescribed puberty blockers and hormone treatments, even with their parents' permission. [Source: AP]
Florida Department of Health offers credit monitoring to victims of cyberattacks
The Florida Department of Health is offering credit monitoring and other services to people whose personal information may have been stolen during a cyberattack in June. A hacker group released more than 20,000 files containing sensitive health information about Florida residents, including Social Security numbers, banking information and medical histories. [Source: Health News Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Orlando-based nonprofit uses experience from Europe to reduce maternal mortality
The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any wealthy country. A birthing center in Florida founded by a British midwife is part of a patchwork of solutions to curb those deaths. “I consider maternal health here an emergency,” said midwife Jennie Joseph, a British immigrant. “It's beyond frustrating. It's criminal.”
› New cancer center planned in St. Johns County, free dental clinic opened
The St. Johns County Commission has approved economic development incentives for a $20.5 million cancer prevention and research institute planned in memory of a 19-year-old local man who died of a rare form of bone cancer. The commission last week approved a $621,031 economic incentive contract for the TyMe Institute Inc., named for Tyler Mert Ergisi.
› Seminole County wants to help parents diagnose and treat autistic toddlers
The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County is awarding grants to Abilities Workshop – a nonprofit founded by a mother whose daughter has autism – in hopes that the agency can help families get a diagnosis for their children more quickly. The agency also wants to connect parents in Seminole County with a range of services that support their children.
› Jacksonville considers clearing permit for HCA Healthcare's freestanding emergency room in Arlington
The clearing permit for HCA Healthcare's proposed freestanding emergency department at 8100 Merrill Road in Arlington is currently under review. Auld & White Constructors LLC of Jacksonville is the contractor for the permit to clear 4 acres on the site south of Merrill and Hartsfield roads. The estimated project cost is $50,000.
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