A study done in 2014 by UCSF investigated the dermatologist directories of certain popular insurance plans. They not only found the inconsistencies listed above but also some dermatologist numbers they called ended with confused receptionists saying they’ve never heard of the doctor in question. AHIP agrees that it is an issue and says they are trying to find the best way to avoid these discrepancies but notes that they rely on doctors to provide up to date information and to notify the correct party when information has changed. Of course some doctors insist that it is done deliberately.
“It’s all about saving money. [Insurance companies] use [doctors’] names to entice the patients to sign on and purchase the policy but don’t keep [doctor lists] up to date. It’s not publicized enough for people to understand what’s going on.” – Deborah Sarnoff MD, NYC Dermatologist and President of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
For more information visit: Women’s Health Derm-Deserts
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