A new report shows the percentage of doctors who will treat new Medicaid patients is declining nationwide. A recent survey shows the same thing is happening in San Diego. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
In the new national study, doctors cite low reimbursement rates as the primary reason why they won't accept any new Medicaid patients.
Most physicians in a recent local survey say the same thing.
Tom Gehring is CEO of the San Diego County Medical Society. He says California's Medi-Cal payment rates are just too low.
Gehring: Quite frankly, that's the primary driving force. Physicians want to see patients, but if they can't keep their doors open because of these reimbursement rates, then they can only afford to take a limited number, or none at all.
Gehring says only half of the County's doctors in small group practices will treat Medi-Cal patients. He says the percentages are even lower among specialists.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
