Disparities between mental, medical use reimbursements highlighted

RTI International conducts research
A new study highlights the disparity in out-of-network use and reimbursements between mental health and medical/surgical providers.
Patients went out-of-network 3.5 times more often to see a behavioral health clinician than a medical/surgical clinician, according to the study, conducted by nonprofit research institute RTI International. Patients went out of network 8.9 times more often to see a psychiatrist and 10.6 times more often to see a psychologist.
In some New England states, out of network use for psychologists versus medical/surgical specialists was significantly higher. Patients were 39 times more likely to go out of network to see a psychologist in Massachusetts, 29 times more likely in Rhode I...