1. Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Disparity in Healthcare Access for Patients With a Headache Having Cigna or Medicaid Insurance.
- Author
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Olinchuk V, Sethuram S, Patel AU, Djahanshahi N, Shaikh S, and Nathani NAV
- Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to study the disparity in Cigna and Medicaid insurance holders, to secure an appointment for a patient with a headache for two days unrelieved by over-the-counter medication., Methodology: This is a cross-sectional "secret shopper" type study, assessing the three most populated cities in seven states with the lowest Medicaid coverage and Internal Medicine specialists within a 10-mile radius, with a minimum rating of 3 stars and a willingness to accept new patients., Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the average waiting period for those with Medicaid and Cigna in the states of Missouri, Nebraska, and Utah, as well as the total average for all seven states. Moreover, there were more healthcare providers who accepted Medicaid rather than Cigna in New Hampshire; whereas in Wyoming, the numbers for Medicaid and Cigna were almost equal., Conclusions: The significant Medicaid-Cigna acceptance rate disparities should be corrected to ensure higher healthcare access., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Olinchuk et al.)
- Published
- 2024
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