With reimbursement low, many orthopedic and spine surgeons decline or limit new Medicaid patients, and Dr. Taylor has made it his mission to connect these patients with surgeons who are available to treat them. In the past, these patients have had to wait several months to see a specialist, and they often ended up in hospital emergency departments.
Dr. Taylor no longer performs surgery, but he is able to evaluate orthopedic patients and refer them for physical therapy at Seton Family of Hospitals’ Topfer Clinic in Texas, which treats uninsured patients. He is also on staff at Texas Orthopedics in Austin, a group which he encouraged to expand their Medicaid contracts. When physicians initially turn away Medicaid patients or when clearance for diagnostics isn’t given immediately, the patients’ conditions worsen and can cost more as their symptoms progress.
Read the American-Statesman report on Dr. William Taylor.
Read other coverage on Medicaid:
– 4 Ways Medicaid RACs Could Differ From Medicare RACs
– Medicaid Expansion Would Worsen Doctor Shortages, Study Says
– Pain Specialist Reports 50% Patient Volume Drop, Partly Due to Risk of Treating Medicaid Patients
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
