Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro
Pediatrician
Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
AFFILIATIONS:
  • Attending Physician, Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 6
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We Are All in This Together
13
Posted in Adoption by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Jan 19, 2009

In these tough economic times, it seems like we all are looking for ways to help cut costs and corners...eating in rather than dining out, bypassing those big expenses such as the annual vacation and new television, and even clipping coupons with a bit more frequency.  But something I'm beginning to feel rather uneasy about is cutting corners when it comes to your health, and in particular, your child's health.  You see, I am worried the physical and mental well being of your child may become compromised during this time of economic misfortune...where forgoing routine well child care visits, procrastinating the administration of immunizations, and delaying the time in seeking necessary medical care may become more commonplace.


And as I believe no parent would deliberately compromise the health of one's own child, I understand and respect the stress and strain created by our current financial climate.  I realize as we just entered a new calendar year, costly deductibles need to be reached before insurance companies will begin their reimbursement responsibilities, overall insurance premiums may have increased (I know mine has), and for those who have lost their jobs, COBRA payments can be astronomical.  And although this is only anecdotal, I am witnessing exactly what I mentioned above...routine well child care visits being postponed indefinitely which, consequently, delays immunizations and a greater number of children seeking medical care for any number of illnesses a few days later then when they should be seen. 


So now that I've pointed out the obvious...that we are in the midst of a financial crisis...what is it that I propose?  Well, although I can't speak on behalf of all my pediatric colleagues, I do want to share one thing I find to be consistent among many pediatricians...that we are a compassionate group of people.  Now please don't reply with stories of how inconsiderate and rude your child's pediatrician was at the last visit as I'm speaking in generalities here.  But what I am trying to hint at is discuss your financial difficulties with your child's pediatrician before compromising your child's care.  Don't assume a fiscal solution cannot be found as many a pediatrician will not sleep knowing a child is not receiving the care one needs and deserves.


Remember, we are all in this together.


 


Dr. Jeremy


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Displaying comments 13-1 of 13
13
Doc...
we dont take vacations or eat out anyways..
love ya
By stevensmom  Feb 01, 2009
12
That is good to know. It won't work with our doctors and our pschiatrsts, though. I told them we were very tight but they couldn't help out.
R
By Lain2  Jan 26, 2009
11
I was executrix of my brother in laws will; he died of AIDS, and among his bills that I had to pay for was a fairly large bill for medical care that he had been paying a few dollars at a time. Some of his friends urged me to *blow it off* now that BIL was dead since *he doesnt expect to be paid anyway.* My response, besides pointing out that the law requires an executrix to perform fiduciary duties or go to prison, that if we did not pay the doctors who *worked with us* when we could pay them, why would they help the next guy in line who needed help?

Doctors are far more inclined to work with you, I have found, when you make an honest effort to pay their bills. The doctor would be less than impressed, for example, if during your plea for him to cut you some slack, you whipped out your late-model iPhone with its fifty different ring tones.
By Appleby  Jan 24, 2009
10
My doctors told me that if I couldn't pay for bloodwork then it couldn't be done.
By ALC67  Jan 24, 2009
9
I too find pediatricians to be very compassionate and warm people. In fact, I've never met one who wasn't! I've been honest with all my medical professionals about not being able to afford much and all have been very cooperative about what tests they send me for or how they choose to write scripts and such. I once had bloodwork done at a large metro office and the original fee was $500, of which my insurance paid a portion. Later I told that doctor I was paying cash (and relatively cash poor) and she wrote a new bloodwork script and I went to a small hometown lab and I only paid $30 total (no insurance) for testing for the same medical condition. I was grateful and my doctor still had the essential information she needed. Communication can be a very powerful thing.
By mechellebelle  Jan 23, 2009
8
I've found most doctors are more than happy to work with you. Thank you Dr. Jeremy for your caring comments.
By BehaveWell  Jan 22, 2009
7
Thank you it is nice to hear from a caring Doctor, that reminds people that doctors do care.
By ZECILKL  Jan 22, 2009
6
Around here we just had a doctor close her practice because of unpaid bills, delayed reimbursements from medicare and insurance companies. Her staff has been going without pay and she couldn't get medications she needed for her patients. She was in tears as the local Tv station interviewed her.
By ALC67  Jan 22, 2009
5
Thank you again. I might as well just let you know that I have not ever seen nor expect any thing but a poinent and well thought posts. I must say that of all the health care profesionals, pediatricians have been the most understanding and caring people I know. A close relative is a pediatritian. She practices in Lousville, Kentucky. Recently she has also ecountered a drop in well child visits. She explains it to me that she would rather know the child is well, (cared after), than to fret over an unpaid bill. She has said that she is willing to do lower income children, AT COST. To the layman, that means you pay only for the items used and required medications. HER SERVICE IS FREE> Of course, if Benny Big Bucks comes in with little Benji, she hits him up for a donation..... LOL.
Kudos to Dr. J., again!
By AtticusFinch  Jan 21, 2009
4
You must be a really good man and a compassionate doctor....Good for you!!!
By dalecl  Jan 21, 2009
3
SPEAKING AS A MOM OF 3 KIDS THAT HAS NO INSURANCE DUE TO BEING LAID OFF, IT IS REALLY HARD TO GET MEDICAL CARE AT TIMES...HOPEFULLY THIS NEW YEAR WILL BRING MANY CHANGES.
By awakendwoman  Jan 21, 2009
2
Some people have no choice. They have to choose between things like a roof over their head and food on their table. If you have kids there are more services available but even that doesn't cover everything.
Besides my mother only took me to the doctor for my vaccinations...a once a year visit. Unless I got sick.
By ALC67  Jan 21, 2009
1
Yeah in a way is a good thing for all of us to learn to be less wasteful, and realize we don't need as much as we thought we did.
By amiko  Jan 20, 2009
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