#Expert Perspective: Where did all the medical appointments go?

Dr. Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of Hofstra’s Department of Population Health, spoke to Newsday about why patients are finding it more difficult to make medical appointments and what options they have.

Dr. Hackett noted over the past decade, more people have enrolled in insurance plans and sought a wider array of treatments because of the Affordable Care Act and policies that expanded the reach of Medicaid. The Medicaid and Medicare acceptance rates are plunging raising concerns as doctors tend to drop these insurance plans first because they pay lower rates. Setup is becoming illusive in an industry that has undergone immense changes in recent years, Dr. Hackett added.

New Yorkers with Medicaid may want to find federally-qualified health centers, which are designed for Medicaid patients, Dr. Hackett said. People may also be able to get appointments more quickly if they see non-physician providers like nurse practitioners or midwives instead of OB-GYNs, she added.

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Dr. Martine Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities. She's available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.