Why physicians dont accept medicaid

Perennial struggles to stop automatic cuts in Medicare provider payments have grown old. That could spell delays in needed treatment. Medicare pays for services at rates significantly below their costs. Medicaid has long paid less than Medicare, making it even less attractive. The government dictates prices on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Some private-pay doctors find that eliminating the layers of paperwork allows them to charge reasonable rates for their services.

Many cite this model as promoting price transparency and more apt to curb healthcare costs. Financial contributions from our readers are a critical part of supporting our resource-intensive work and help us keep our journalism free for all. Please consider making a contribution to Vox today to help us keep our work free for all.

Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Medicaid is a hassle for doctors. Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email. A new study found providers run into more obstacles when trying to bill Medicaid, and these administrative hurdles explain many of the access problems experienced by Medicaid patients.

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The provider cannot bill the patient the difference unless they have a spend-down portion. These factors increase wait times for appointments in vulnerable communities. Waits for appointments have increased from six weeks to four months. People will delay getting treatment for their ailments until they have to go to the emergency room.

Often patients who go to the emergency room do not need acute care. However, pediatricians had one of the highest percentages of specialists who accept Medicaid patients. Kelly Washington is a freelance writer living on the Southside of Chicago.