Being insured does not necessarily mean access to medical care. A California study reported in September by Reuters Health found that orthopaedic surgeons are much more hesitant to see children with broken bones than they were a decade ago.

When contacted by telephone, more than half of orthopaedic practices wouldn't schedule an appointment for a child with a recently-broken arm who had private insurance. And almost all refused appointments to children covered by public insurance.

A similar study conducted 10 years ago found that most practices also wouldn't see children covered by public insurance, but all scheduled appointments for those with private insurance.

One of the study's authors suggests the longer length of children's visits may be a factor. Parents ask lots of questions, while pediatric visits are reimbursed at the same rate as shorter, adult visits. For children and families who do not live near specialized pediatric facilities like Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, this may mean more travel, money and time away from work.

For more information go to:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/30/us-orthopedic-surgeons-idUSTRE78T4OK20110930