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Experts offer advice on joining medical panels
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Becoming a participating provider for a medical insurance panel may be challenging, but some experienced professionals offer helpful hints in our “At Issue” feature from the November print edition.
Research the plan’s provider panel and patient population, recommends Gregory Kraupa, OD.
“Use this information to make a solid case that the health plan has significant gaps in patient access to care, and that your practice can help fill those gaps,” he said.
Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, said using the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare Universal Provider Database and applying for a Drug Enforcement Administration number can be helpful.
Allan Hudson, OD, said his local primary care physicians have helped his office gain access to medical patients and have authorized referrals for managed care plans.
Charles B. Brownlow, OD, FAAO, takes a different approach, advising that the optometrist’s accountant first analyze the financial and professional needs of the practice to ensure a net income.