In 2011 the Perfil del Pediatra study revealed that the median age of pediatricians in Puerto Rico was 54 years old (compared with 42 and 43 years old in the mainland US). Ten years later, the Puerto Rico Pediatrics Society (SPP by its acronym in Spanish) showed that 49% of pediatricians on the island are over 60 years old, that the median age for retirement is 67, and that 28% of the 331 pediatricians who completed the survey have a general pediatric practice in two municipalities or more.
Additionally, health insurance companies have not increased their premiums in 25 years, affecting pediatricians and the number of medical students that decide to major in general pediatrics, favoring subspecialties and threatening the stability of pediatrics in Puerto Rico.
The panorama is the picture of a system in crisis.
A Concierge Solution to Provide Peace of Mind
The harsh truth of pediatrics in Puerto Rico has many parents worried about the welfare of their children and looking for alternatives to the current system. Earlier this year, a new kind of pediatrics clinic opened its doors: Pravan Kids, an innovative concierge pediatric clinic launched by Pravan Health, which aims to revolutionize child healthcare in Puerto Rico.
Pravan Health was founded in 2016 by a group of local doctors and entrepreneurs as a response to the lack of access and good service within the healthcare system. Since then, they have been providing excellent concierge primary care for adults in Puerto Rico, creating a loyal base of thousands of members who seems to be pleased with their service (4.6 Google Reviews rating, which is rare for a medical practice in Puerto Rico).
Pravan’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that healthcare should be tailored to the individual's needs, with practitioners taking the time to understand each patient's unique circumstances and developing a comprehensive, customized care plan, and building a long-term relationship with their patients. This model is called relationship-based medicine, as opposed to the current transactional-based medicine, where face-to-face interaction with a doctor typically takes less than five minutes and one prescription.
This approach is at the core of Pravan Kids, the concierge pediatric clinic designed to address the pediatrician crisis in Puerto Rico. Pravan Kids aims to fill the gap in pediatric care and ensure that young patients and their parents receive the attention they deserve by offering services that cater to the specific needs of children and their families.
The Benefits of a Concierge Pediatric Clinic
Pravan Kids stands out from traditional pediatric clinics in several ways. First, its cutting-edge facilities are designed to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for both children and their families. By incorporating the latest technology and design principles, Pravan Kids seeks to provide a calming atmosphere that helps alleviate the anxiety often associated with medical appointments.
In addition, our layout provides different waiting areas for kids who are sick and for those who are visiting the clinic for routine well-child visits, which is not very common in Puerto Rico. Last but not least, you can get same-day or next-day appointments, a novelty in Puerto Rico’s overwhelmed medical system.
Another key differentiator is the personalized approach taken by the clinic's healthcare professionals. At Pravan Kids, pediatricians and other medical staff take the time to get to know each child and their family, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and individual needs. This in-depth knowledge helps them create personalized care plans that address immediate health concerns and long-term wellness goals.
In addition to standard pediatric services such as well-child checkups, vaccinations, and sick visits, Pravan Kids offers a range of specialized care options that cater to the diverse needs of its young patients. These include:
- Developmental screenings and assessments: Early identification of developmental delays or disabilities can ensure the best possible outcomes for a child. Pravan Kids offers comprehensive developmental screenings and assessments that can help detect potential issues and guide appropriate interventions.
- Nutritional counseling: Proper nutrition is essential to a child's growth and development. The clinic's registered dietitian provides an initial assessment and orientation regarding the child’s eating habits and beneficial nutrients for kids and discusses parents’ preoccupations.
- Mental health support: The emotional well-being of children is just as important as their physical health. Pravan Kids coordinates mental health services, including psychological assessments and counseling for you, to help children and families navigate the challenges of childhood and adolescence.
- Care coordination: Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, particularly for families with complex medical needs. Pravan Kids offers care coordination services to help parents manage their child's healthcare journey. By working closely with families and other healthcare providers, the clinic ensures that children receive the necessary care and support promptly and efficiently.
- Telemedicine consultations: Recognizing the importance of accessibility in healthcare, Pravan Kids incorporates telemedicine as part of its service offering. This allows families to consult with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals remotely through their easy-to-use mobile app, ensuring they can access the care they need even when they cannot visit the clinic in person.
- Health education: Empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to care for their children is a critical component of the Pravan Kids approach. The clinic offers a range of health education resources that cover topics such as breastfeeding, child safety, and managing chronic conditions.
The Benefits of Pravan Kids for Families and the Community
The innovative approach taken by Pravan Kids offers numerous benefits for families and the wider community. By providing personalized, high-quality healthcare tailored to the specific needs of children and their families, Pravan Kids helps address the pediatrician crisis in Puerto Rico, ensuring that young patients have access to the care they need.
For families, the concierge pediatric clinic model means building lasting relationships with their child's healthcare providers, fostering trust and open communication. This continuity of care is essential for maintaining a child's long-term health and well-being, as it allows for more accurate monitoring of growth and development and early identification of potential issues.
Furthermore, the comprehensive range of services offered by Pravan Kids, from developmental screenings to care coordination, ensures that families can access all the care their child requires under one roof. This simplifies the healthcare journey for parents and reduces the stress associated with managing multiple appointments and providers.
Finally, Pravan Kids' focus on preventive care and health education helps to promote a culture of wellness within the community. By empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their child's health, Pravan Kids contributes to the overall health of the Puerto Rican population and helps reduce the burden on the island's healthcare system.
