Aug
More Nevada specialists are participating in Medicaid, despite recent cuts to some reimbursement rates, according to a state survey, the Las Vegas Sun reports. The state Legislature had allocated $17 million to increase physician reimbursements this month, but state budget cuts prevented the rate increase.
A Nevada Health and Human Services Division of Health Care Financing and Policy survey found:
- 96.3% of the state’s obstetrician-gynecologists have signed up to accept Medicaid beneficiaries, compared with 71% in 2007;
- 88% of psychiatrists are participating in Medicaid this year, compared with 58% in 2007;
- Participation among dermatologists, gastroenterologists and neurologists increased by 20% each;
- Participation declined among general practice physicians from 71% in 2007 to 68% this year, general surgeons from 77% in 2007 to 58% this year and internists from 94% in 2007 to 79% this year; and
- No urologists in the state participate in Medicaid.
Division Director Charles Duarte said he had expected that the state budget cuts would result in fewer physicians participating in the program overall (McGrath Schwartz/Ryan, Las Vegas Sun, 8/13).
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