Children's Hospital Central California and Sante split confusing parents

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of Valley parents are scrambling to re-schedule appointments at Children's Hospital Central California after the hospital cut ties with the Valley's largest group of physicians.

The sixteen year relationship with Sante Community Physicians officially ended today. Both the doctor's group and the hospital admit this split has left people confused, but both sides assure that no one will be turned away and kids will get the care they need.

Melissa Rodriguez has three children two of whom desperately need Children's Hospital and have routinely been there since they were born. She could care less about the fight between Sante Community Physicians and Children's Hospital Central California, but what she is concerned about is that her two boys get the help they need.

Rodriguez added, "In the end it really is the children that are struggling."

Just before the 16 year relationship between the hospital and the doctor's group ended appointments were cancelled, and hundreds of parents were left reeling - wondering where they would see the specialists they need. The partnership has now ended, and both sides say the details about patient care are getting worked out.

Zara Arboleda, Spokeswoman for Children's Hospital said, "They can still come to us as long as Sante gives them authorization to see our specialists and sub specialists and a letter of agreement."

Dr. Daniel Bluestone of Sante Community Physicians said, "We've received assurances from Children's administration that they are in fact following through and once they receive authorizations and the individual patient agreements they'll go ahead and schedule and reschedule these appointments."

As for why the contract was severed - it depends on who you ask. Children's Hospital says Sante is forming its own group of specialists. Sante says that's not the case. They both say, it's not about money. All of it leaves Melissa Rodriguez worrying about the future.

Rodriguez explained, "It's not so much what's going to happen today but what's going to happen six months and a year from now."

Sante says parents will be given immediate authorization so appointments can be made, and that the rates won't change. Children's Hospital says while they must go in a different direction, it's against their mission statement -- to turn anyone away.

Nearly 350 appointments have been rescheduled and Sante says they're helping each and every person who calls.

For more information contact:

Children's Hospital Central California

559-353-6753

1-800-433-2456

ContactUs@ChildrensCentralCal.org

Sante

559-228-5410