State of California is facing an increased shortage of primary care physicians especially – with a rise in the number of elderly population in the State leading to increase in health coverage under Federal Health care reforms. Additionally 30% of primary care physicians in the state are nearing retirement being above 60 or older- the highest percentage in any state.
However compared to the shortage, the State has not significantly increased the number of primary care physicians trained. HHS’s Council on Graduate Medical Education recommends 60 to 80 primary care physicians per 100,000 people to adequately serve a population.
Statistics show in fast-growing regions of California such as the Inland Empire there are only 40, whereas in low-income rural communities where care for 25% patients is paid by Med-Cal, there are only 45 primary care physicians.
Even though medical school applications have been high in California, with a high proportion of U.S. medical school graduates filling all of the 2011 family medicine slots, state and federal policy decisions too need to be on the same lines. However the State of California is trying to reduce physician fees by 10% in the Medicaid Program, putting physician payment at risk.
According to the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) a comprehensive state and nationwide effort would be able to effectively solve this shortage.
Tackling the shortage issue
Increase the number of medical school – The State and federal policies need to encourage funding for higher education and primary care residency programs. Absence of this funding may lead to students pushed to choose non-primary care specialties or to train in medical schools and residency programs in other states.
To provide for increasing needs high quality primary care residency programs are the need of the hour to fill vacancies left by retiring physicians.
Medicaid reimbursements – With Medicaid rates in California being 20% lower than the national Medicaid rate and among the lowest in the U.S, Californians face a severe shortage of physicians willing to cater to them, conversely the California Legislature passed a budget in June reducing Medi-Cal physician payments by 10 %, among other reductions.
This could provide further incentive for students to choose specialties other than primary care. Patient access to care could be hampered as well if practicing physicians opt out of the Medi-Cal program because of the cuts. The state legislature and family physicians needs to work together to remedy reimbursement issues.
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California family physicians need a coordinated effort of various entities to remedy this shortage of primary care physicians.
In this scenario where primary care physicians need to tackle increased number of patients, cater to shortage issues, physicians may be short of time to give complete justice to their reimbursement strategy and medical billing and coding practices which hampers a steady flow of revenue for smooth running of their practice.
Medical billers and coders can not only efficiently interact with insurance providers and increase claims generation but also keep up with health care IT reforms and comply with HIPAA and other guidelines.
Primary care physicians in California need to gear up and face the shortage challenge; moreover they can join a consortium of experts who can provide relevant revenue management services.
MBC is one of the largest consortiums of Medical Billers and Coders in the United States, our billers and coders in all the major cities of California billing services including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno can help you settle your requirements through services including- tracking and follow-up on unpaid claims, preparing patient statements and payment posting, customizing billing reports and primary and secondary insurance claims filing.
FAQs
1. Why is California facing a shortage of primary care physicians?
California's aging population and a high percentage of retiring physicians are contributing to the shortage. Additionally, inadequate training programs have not kept pace with demand.
2. How many primary care physicians are recommended for California's population?
HHS recommends 60 to 80 primary care physicians per 100,000 people. Currently, some regions in California fall significantly below this standard.
3. What impact do Medicaid payment cuts have on physician availability?
Reducing Medi-Cal payments can deter physicians from accepting Medicaid patients, worsening the shortage. This could limit patient access to necessary care.
4. How can California increase the number of primary care physicians?
Increasing funding for medical education and residency programs is essential. This can encourage more students to pursue careers in primary care.
5. What services does MedicalBillersandCoders provide to help physicians?
Medical Billers and Coders offer comprehensive revenue cycle management services, including claims follow-up and compliance with billing guidelines, to support primary care practices.
