Are you looking for a psychiatrist who takes self-funded Clark County health insurance? You're not alone. A recent survey of doctors in offices revealed that acceptance rates for all types of insurance are much lower among psychiatrists than among other medical specialists. The Current contacted major insurance companies in Nevada, such as Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, United Health, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, to find out about the acceptance rates for new providers in the state over the past two years, any limits on sessions, and if reimbursement rates differ between physical, mental and behavioral health services. Data from the same national survey was used to calculate the acceptance rates of private pay-for-service insurance, Medicare and Medicaid by psychiatrists compared to doctors in other specialties.
The characteristics of psychiatrists who accepted insurance were also compared to those who did not accept it. Recent trends show that psychiatrists in the Midwest are more likely to accept fee-for-service private insurance than psychiatrists in other regions. Waiting lists to see an autism psychologist can last up to two years in Clark County and many providers can't accept any insurance, creating an economic disparity between those who can pay hundreds of dollars in cash for treatment and those who can't. Psychiatrists are essential for diagnosing and treating mental illnesses due to their training and ability to prescribe medications.
However, a shortage of providers combined with systemic barriers between Nevadans and health insurance companies that don't accept mental and behavioral health specialists into their network further exacerbates the issue. If you're looking for a psychiatrist who accepts self-funded Clark County health insurance, it's important to do your research. Contact your local health insurance provider to find out about their acceptance rates for new providers and any limits on sessions or reimbursement rates. You should also consider any stigma associated with a mental disorder and worry about the privacy of reports to insurance companies.
