Commentary on 'well-child care in infancy and healthcare services utilization from birth to 6 years by late preterm children receiving medicaid benefits'

摘要

Since the adoption of the guidelines for well-child care visits by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the early 1990s, there has been a significant increase in the recognition of genetic diseases and developmental pathologies that otherwise may have escaped diagnosis until later in life, particularly among premature infants and children at increased risk. Even in view of the distinct benefits to early diagnosis and intervention and the fact that this program is provided without cost for patients receiving Medicaid benefits, it has been reported that low-income families have nonetheless consistently underused these services. The study by Pittard in this issue of the Southern Medical Journal not only establishes the importance of this program but also underscores the long-term advantages for children when parents follow these guidelines as intended.