Beating The Access Problem

Prompt access to behavioral health services remains an issue. A new study, Access To Psychiatric Appointments For Medicaid Enrollees In 4 Large US Cities, found that for Medicaid consumers, access to mental health prescribers remains problematic. A secret shopper survey of Medicaid managed care plans in four markets (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix) found that 27.2% had appointments available, 17.8% with the listed clinician and 9.4% with an alternate clinician at the same practice. Appointment inquiries were made to listed clinicians in the provider directories for the Medicaid managed care plans. The cities selected . . .