Pediatric Care in Private Practice

The extent of availability and utilization of private pediatric care, for well and sick children under six years of age in New York City, was investigated by means of a questionnaire (10% sample of all practicing physicians). Ninety-three per cent of the physicians responded. It was found that the pediatrician spent more time for well care than for sick care, whereas the general practitioner devoted the greatest share of his time to the care of sick children. The general practitioner provided 61% of the total volume of private pediatric. care. The average child was seen by a physician eight times annually. The study indicates that in New York City private pediatric care is available and fairly well utilized.