SARS-CoV-2 infection (termed COVID-19) in children differs from adult disease. Numerous studies highlight low rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children compared with adults: children have a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, fewer and milder symptoms, and a significantly lower case fatality compared with adults. Even for children with co-morbidities, only a few COVID-19 related case fatalities have been reported. What is underlying children’s lower susceptibility to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with adults?
As a novel (new) virus, no one has acquired immunity to SARS-CoV2, so why do children seem relatively resistant to SARS-CoV-2? Theories proposed suggest an immature receptor system in the immune respiratory system of children or that children have acquired cross-protection by antibodies they developed during exposure to common viral infections in infancy. However, these theories don’t explain why more than any other age group of children, the overwhelming majority of pediatric COVID infections is in infants younger than 1 year; disparities of COVID-19 infection rate and symptom severity among 19-25 year olds; or why some adults, especially those over 50 years old, also seem resistant to COVID-19 - even if living in close quarters with the person who became ill, some adults never become ill with COVID-19.
by Lisa M Avery, MD
What follows is a focused investigation which considers poignant aspects of COVID-19, reviews basic principles of immunology and vaccines, offers an alternate theory, and proposes an interim measure to bolster immunity against SARS-CoV-2 until proper immunization can be achieved.
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proposed solution.
PAYMENT POLICY
Medical services are provided and billed by Medical Clinic. Our providers participate in most all of the major health insurance plans in the region. Following are the health plans which we currently accept.
If your plan is not listed, we will be unable to file a claim on your behalf. However, we can provide you with a form that you can submit to your insurance company to instruct them to send reimbursements directly to you.
Please be aware that with any health plans, there may be deductibles and copayments for which you could be responsible.
HEALTH PLANS
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HealthPLUS
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Medical Insurance Co.
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All Insure, Inc.
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MedCare
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ABC Insurance
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Alternative Care
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Medical Insurance Co.
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MedCare
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HealthPLUS
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ABC Insurance
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Alternative Care
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All Insure, Inc.
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HealthPLUS
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Medical Insurance Co.
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All Insure, Inc.
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MedCare
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ABC Insurance
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BILL
What billing or insurance information will I receive?
You will receive a copy of your bill. After your insurance has paid, we'll provide you with a monthly statement of your account.
How long will it take to get things settled with the insurance company?
Generally, it takes from 45 to 60 days to obtain payment from an insurance carrier.
Why am I getting bills from physicians?
Each physician who provides professional services will send you a separate bill from his or her office. These physicians will include:
- your own physician
- other physicians who conducted tests and procedures
- consulting physicians chosen by your primary physician to read and interpret test results.
These physicians may include specialists in anesthesiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, nuclear medicine, pathology, radiology, or urodynamics. You will be responsible for paying these bills as well.
I received a notice that my insurance company has paid on my bill -- but I can't understand how they calculated their payment amount. Do you know?
If we have received any such information from your insurance company, we'll be glad to share it with you. However, for answers to any questions about insurance payments, deductibles, or co-payments, you generally need to check with your insurance company.