A report from the Research Triangle Institute found across behavioral health provider types, patients were nearly four times as likely to see an out-of-network behavioral provider than an out-of-network medical provider.
The disparities vary widely by state. In Massachusetts, patients were 42.1 times more likely to seek out-of-network care from psychiatrists than medical or surgical specialists.
Here are the 10 states with the smallest disparities in in-network utilization for psychiatrists:
1. Oklahoma
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 2.1%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 5.1%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 2.4x greater
2. Michigan
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 1.2%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 2.7%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 2.3x greater
3. Wyoming
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 2.9%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 6.6%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 2.3x greater
4. Nebraska
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 1.6%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 3.4%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 2.2x greater
5. West Virginia
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 1.3%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 2.6%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 2.1x greater
6. Wisconsin
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 1.0%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 1.9%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 1.9x greater
7. Arizona
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 2.2%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 4%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 1.8x greater
8. Alaska
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 5.3%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 8.6%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 1.6x greater
9. Iowa
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 34.8%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 49.8%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 1.4x greater
10. Nevada
Out-of-network utilization, medical/surgical specialists: 4.3%
Out-of-network utilization, psychiatrists: 5%
Psychiatrist out-of-network utilization compared to medical/surgical: 1.1x greater
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place October 20–22 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
