Accuracy of Medicaid Physician Directories of Board-Certified Pediatric Dermatologists

Abstract

Patients may rely on health insurance physician directories to determine who is in-network and inaccuracies in these directories may lead to delayed access to treatment, unexpected out-of-pocket costs, and increased barriers to care. This cross-sectional study quantifies the accuracy of state-specific Medicaid directories regarding board-certified pediatric dermatologists, and compares physicians listed accurately with those listed inaccurately by type of practice and region of practice. The accuracy of all state Medicaid physician directories was 84.7%. Most states with board-certified pediatric dermatologists had directories that contained inaccuracies and directory accuracy varied significantly by practice type, but not region of practice.

Keywords: Medicaid; access; dermatology; directories; disparities; insurance; pediatric dermatology.