Multi-State Mystery Shopper Survey Reports 26% Psychiatrist Appointment Set Rate

Callers for a mystery shopper survey who called a sample of 360 psychiatrists listed as in-network professionals for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans in three states were able to set 93 appointments, a 26% set rate. In each call, when they reached the psychiatrist's office staff or the office/psychiatrist voicemail, the callers requested an appointment for symptoms of depression, and if the psychiatrist was accepting new patients with BCBS insurance, Medicare, or self-pay. About 16% of the 360 psychiatrist numbers obtained from the BCBS listings were wrong numbers or disconnected. Another 23% of psychiatrist offices . . .