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by Brianda Lemus-Ceballos
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FRESNO, Calif (FOX26) — A longtime pediatric office that has cared for generations of children in Fresno has now closed its doors.
Dr. James Kratzer, who has served the community for more than 40 years, says the shutdown comes as a result of mounting insurance claim denials that have left him unable to pay his bills or keep up with rent.
“The insurance companies are ruining the practice of medicine,” Dr. Kratzer said. “Small independent medical practices of all kinds are endangered — and especially small independent pediatric practices.”
Dr. Kratzer says health insurance companies have been routinely denying his claims over the past couple of years.
Each denial, he says, has meant another missed paycheck — pushing him further into financial hardship and ultimately leading to his eviction from his own office.
“I didn’t expect the situation to be as bad as it is now,” he added. “Because of some miscommunication in our office, we got blindsided. And it felt horrible — it felt so horrible.”
The financial struggles, he says, began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his practice, like many others, was hit hard.
But after the pandemic, Dr. Kratzer says insurance companies began creating even more barriers — leading to an alarming number of denied claims.
Parents like Katie Janca, a mother of five and longtime patient of Dr. Kratzer’s, say his closure has left them concerned for their children's healthcare.
“I am worried,” Janca said. “My children need monthly medication — two of them — and so if he does not open up again, we’re kind of on a timeline, a deadline.”
Janca says Dr. Kratzer’s dedication to his patients is unmatched.
“The latest we’ve been seen is at 8 at night,” she said. “He values my opinion and how I want to help my children. He always takes his time with us. I never feel rushed.”
While his current office has closed, Dr. Kratzer says this isn’t the end.
He’s actively searching for a new location and hopes to continue caring for children, even if it means downsizing his practice.
“I failed,” he said. “And so we have to find some place.”
His team has started a GoFundMe page to raise money and help secure a new space, hoping the community he’s served for decades will rally around him during this difficult transition.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Kratzer remains committed to doing what he loves most — caring for kids.
https://gofund.me/41e9241e
