Parents frustrated over scheduling after Children's Hospital splits with Sante

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The pediatric problems continue for a small group of patients at Children's Hospital Central California.

Hundreds of appointments were canceled after the hospital cut ties with a local physicians group, drastically changing coverage plans.

For a lot of patients it could mean an even longer wait to see their doctors. One mom told Action News the issues with the hospital and Sante, one of the Valley's largest physicians groups, feel like being trapped in the middle of an ugly divorce.

Diane Holsworth knew when she adopted Robert, Lilly and Kylie from China they came with special needs. Having them treated is a challenge, of course. But she says she never planned to have that challenge doubled.

"It takes months," Holsworth said, referring to getting into the office for a visit with a specialist. "We waited three months to get in to see the neurosurgeon, three more months? It just doesn't make sense to make the kids wait."

Their appointments, like hundreds of others, were canceled by the hospital since Wednesday brings the end of its 16-year partnership with Sante.

"As soon as Sante grants authorization to patients to come see us, we're rescheduling those appointments," said hospital spokesperson Zara Arboleda.

Because the visits are now considered out-of-network, the hospital says there's a whole different set of paperwork and agreements before treatment can begin or even continue.

"At very least, what's happened has delayed essential care for these kids," said Sante's Executive Director Dr. Daniel Bluestone. "To me, that's just unconscionable."

Dr. Bluestone says his office has been fielding dozens calls from angry and worried parents.

This all stems from Children's Hospital accusing Sante of trying to create a competing network of pediatric specialists. Both sides say money is not the big issue here.

The hospital says long-term sustainability is its focus. Sante says it wants a partnership -- if Children's is willing.

"Now, if they won't take care of our patients, what choice do we have?" said Dr. Bluestone.

As the bickering continues Holsworth says she'll just keep doing all she can to get her kids to see their specialists. "You have to do it and you don't have any choice," she said.

We've learned four critical cases here will continue treatment without interruption. And for now, Sante says Children's Hospital is requiring preapproval for each and every specialist visit, which could go on indefinitely.