SRFP012: Barriers to Accessing Outpatient Pediatric Subspecialty Care for Immigrant Families

Narda Salinas, BS; Amanda Trevino; Sania Khan; Hilda Loria, MD, MPH

Abstract

Context: In the United States, 1 in 4 children is foreign-born or lives with a parent who is foreign-born. In Dallas County, 15.7% of children are uninsured compared to the national average of 6%. Given complex eligibility criteria or fear of negative repercussions to immigration status, immigrant families may not enroll in affordable coverage even when their children are eligible. Immigrants to the US face several barriers to accessing primary care services including lack of insurance, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and immigration policies. Access to primary care provides a gateway to obtaining referrals for specialty care. There is limited knowledge of barriers to access of subspecialty care for children of immigrant families. Objective: To identify barriers to accessing outpatient pediatric subspecialty care for uninsured and underinsured children in immigrant families. Study Design: Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to develop representative themes and trends. Setting: Eligible participants were staff of community organizations that support immigrant families in Dallas, TX. Anticipated Results: We anticipate that participants from community organizations will describe documented barriers, such as lack of insurance and inexperience navigating US healthcare in addition to social determinants of health that restrict their ability to access necessary subspecialty care. Conclusions: Barriers to subspecialty care for children in immigrant families proliferate the North Texas medical community. Yet, community organizations understand the experiences of immigrant families and are well placed to secure agreements with healthcare systems and engage in advocacy within local government to facilitate care.
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Jack Westfall
jwestfall@aafp.org 11/21/2021

Terrific project. Great poster and abstract. Thanks for sharing at NAPCRG

William R. Phillips
wphllps@uw.edu 11/22/2021

Great project studying care for vulnerable kids and needy communities. What is the role of primary care in the referral patterns and in this study? It seems unlikely these kids get to sub-specialty clinics without being seen by primary care clinicians. Thanks for sharing your work here at NAPCRG. - Bill Phillips

Diane Harper
harperdi@med.umich.edu 11/22/2021

Present your results in Phoenix next year! Thank you for sharing your work with NAPCRG!

Andy Pasternak
avpiv711@sbcglobal.net 11/28/2021

Really nice project - I'm wondering what sort of leverage the primary care docs have with getting kids in to speciality care

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