To the editor:
I am writing in support of a recent letter to the editor titled “Before it’s too late for your children”. In this letter, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Barnes voiced their concern regarding the non-renewed contract of Lori Eckerstorfer, a longtime PA-C with Pines Pediatrics in Caribou.
Like Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, I am also very concerned with the decision that has been made. Pines Health Services’ logo is, “because nothing is more important than your health,” but this decision was not based on anyone’s health. Quoting from a recent letter received from James Davis, the CEO of Pines Health Services, “Ms. Eckerstorfer has provided care to pediatric patients in the area for over two decades. During that time, the demographics of the communities served by Pines have changed considerably, as have the financial underpinnings of delivering health care. The decision to eliminate the fourth provider position in the pediatric group was not an easy one, but was necessary to begin moving the practice toward financial balance.” According to this statement the financials of Pines are more important here than our children’s health care. If this decision was based solely on financial reasons then why would the board get rid of the only PA and not one of the MDs? MDs definitely cost more to hire. Also, in most careers, when budget cuts need to be made, isn’t it by seniority? Lori Eckerstorfer has the most seniority in the Pines Pediatrics group.
Maybe we aren’t being told of the real reason after all; maybe the reason is that Lori is “only” a PA and not an MD. Does that really matter? Do they really think that just because someone has MD after their name they can provide better care for my child? Lori has been caring for children for over 20 years!
What about the MDs that are here on four-year contracts? What happens four years from now when they leave? Pines will just hire another MD on a four-year contract and our children are forced yet again to switch providers. Where is the fairness in that?
Consistency is a must when it comes to children’s health care and this doesn’t sound like consistency to me. The relationships that children have with their health care provider are often the most important part to them. It is very difficult for some patients to change health care providers and it is especially difficult for those with an illness that requires special quality care.
Lori has formed many great relationships with her patients. They not only trust her, they like her. She has been specifically chosen to care for many patients who have special health care needs because she has been the consistent provider with Pines who believes in providing the best health care. I know that I chose her as my child’s provider because she was a long-term PA and I needed someone who was going to be there for us as my daughter grew up. We, the parents, are now finding out that we have a month to find another provider for our children. It is really not that simple!
As Mr. and Mrs. Barnes stated, most parents are only finding out about this through other parents and now the newspaper. Why weren’t we notified when this decision was being made? I am very confused as to where the logic is in this decision other than it will save Pines Health Services some money. Do the children not matter here? When does it become about them and not always about money?
I hope that Pines Health Services knows how many people they have made angry with this decision. Do they realize that this decision could cost them many patients leaving Pines Pediatrics to go elsewhere? It does not only affect one person, but many community members who have taken their children to be cared for by Lori for years. I think the Board needs to take a step back and look at the big picture here. There are many little ones whose lives are going to be affected by this decision and it is evident that this was not taken into consideration.
Melissa Soucy
Caribou
