Why is there no psychiatrists in Florida who takes Medicare and Medicaid?

Question

I live in Flagler Beach, FL and I am trying to find a psychiatrists, but no one will accept Medicaid. Can anyone tell me why?

Answer 1

Medicaid pays lower than most insurance and requires more paperwork than most insurance--so many of us providers don't accept it.

I suggest you contact your local county or community mental health providers. In my area, these agencies have psychiatrists that accept Medicaid. And by and large, their psychiatirsts are as good as the ones in private practice.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Just as all businesses can "refuse service for any reason", doctors in private practices and in specialty fields are allowed to choose what type of coverages they will accept. Try getting into a dermatologist with Medicaid - you won't. A lot of family doctors will do counseling and prescribe meds. You may even prefer that over a stuffy psychiatrist.

Answer 3

Go to your county's Mental Health Clinic. There should be a Dr. available through them who takes Medicaid.

As for the reason Dr.s don't take it as payment, is that the government payment from Medicaid pays a lot less per client than the Dr. is charging other patients and insurance companies....and Medicaid can take a lot longer until they receive their pay.