Wichita, Kansas residents who rely on Medicare are facing challenges in finding new primary care physicians due to some doctors choosing not to accept these patients. This issue stems from the low Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians, making it financially difficult for them to take on new Medicare patients.
The Executive Director of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, Phillip Brownlee, noted that the organization receives numerous calls from individuals, especially Medicare patients, seeking assistance in finding a primary care physician. However, the availability of doctors willing to see new Medicare patients is increasingly scarce.
Some practices in Wichita are unable to accommodate new patients until December 2024, and in certain cases, people are being referred to locations as far as Hesston for care. This limitation in access to healthcare for Medicare patients highlights a growing concern within the medical community.
Dr. Howard Chang, an Emergency Medicine Physician and President of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, expressed the emotional struggle that physicians face when deciding not to accept new Medicare patients due to financial constraints. He emphasized the significant impact that Medicare reimbursement rates have on physician practices, noting a continual decrease in reimbursements over the years.
The issue of declining Medicare reimbursements for physicians has been exacerbated by a relatively flat rate over the past 20 years, with recent years seeing a decrease in reimbursement rates. This financial strain is leading physicians to struggle with increasing overhead costs while trying to maintain quality care for patients.
Members of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County have taken their concerns to lawmakers in Washington, D.C., advocating for fairer reimbursement rates for physicians who serve Medicare patients. They argue for parity in reimbursement processes similar to Medicaid, which would provide more stability for physician practices.
Efforts are also being made locally in Kansas to increase state-set Medicaid reimbursement rates, with funding proposals being included in state budget discussions. The aim is to alleviate financial burdens on physicians and improve access to care for Medicare patients in the region.
In a recent survey conducted among primary care physicians, it was found that only a small percentage of doctors are currently accepting new Medicare patients. This shortage of available physicians for Medicare patients further emphasizes the need for policy changes to address reimbursement rates and ensure continued access to healthcare for this vulnerable population.