Chronic illness in children often is accompanied by psychological, social, and financial challenges for the child and family. Achieving optimal health care and quality of life therefore requires comprehensive, patient- and family- centered care, which necessarily involves close collaboration among a health care team and links to community resources. Creating an effective team requires changes in the structure and operation of pediatric practices, as well as restructuring of reimbursement systems to provide incentives and support for this model of care. As the prevalence of chronic illness increases, it will be worth the necessary investments to achieve desirable and obtainable outcomes.
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