Less Than Half Of Physicians Accept New Medicaid Patients; 77% Accept New Medicare Patients

In 2013, the average rate of Medicaid acceptance by physicians across 15 metropolitan areas and five specialties (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and family practice) was 45.7%; and 76.0% for Medicare acceptance. The Medicaid acceptance has declined in recent years, down from 55.4% in 2009 and 49.9% in 2004. Boston had the highest acceptance rate for both Medicaid (73%) and Medicare (98%), while Dallas had the lowest Medicaid acceptance rate (23%) and Minneapolis had the lowest Medicare acceptance rate (38.2%).

These findings come from the 2014 edition of the survey, “Physician Appointment Wait Time . . .