| Limited provider participation in the Medicaid program is a barrier to access to orthodontic care for Medicaid-eligible patients. Questionnaires were mailed to all active orthodontists (n=203) reported by the NC Health Professions Data System. Respondents were categorized as current Medicaid providers, past Medicaid providers, or orthodontists who have never accepted Medicaid. Of the 166 respondents, 24% were current Medicaid providers, 20% past providers, and 56% never accepted Medicaid patients. Provider and practice characteristics of the three groups were similar.{09}All three groups reported low fee reimbursement as a major problem. Those who have never participated in the Medicaid program were more likely to perceive program issues and patient behaviors as major problems than current or past providers. Past providers perceived broken appointments and tardiness to appointments as more of a problem than current providers. Perceptions of Medicaid patients and lack of knowledge appear to be major barriers to provider participation. |
