Medicaid doctors participate in, and accept payments from, the Medicaid program. A non-Medicaid provider doesn't participate in, or accept payments from, this health care program. Medicaid doctors provide the same treatment and preventative care as their non-Medicaid counterparts. These doctors treat a wide variety of ailments. General practitioners treat common health problems, and also monitor and evaluate patients for conditions that require treatment from specialists. General practitioners also coordinate between multiple specialists if a patient needs treatment from more than one simultaneously. Specialist physicians only treat ailments within their field of expertise.
Because there are specific requirements to be eligible for this state-managed health care program, many of the applicants can be grouped into categories. The eligibility requirements differ from state to state, but much of the basic criteria is the same. People can suffer from illnesses related to advanced age, be an uninsured child, be afflicted with a curable condition that requires a high level of treatment, or suffer from a disability that requires continuous medical care. In all cases, patients must be unable to pay their health care costs.
A new patient seeking treatment from a participating physician will need to make an appointment, and provide the office staff with a verbal summary of any ailments. A doctor treating a new patient will want to do some research prior to the first office visit. The type of research a doctor will want to do is collect, then study, the patient's medically related background information. Records from all previously seen physicians should be forwarded to the new doctor's office.
Familiarity with a patient's medical history will reduce the number of questions about previous health issues, and allow the provider to focus on any current illnesses. People who are nervous, forgetful, or have difficulty understanding medical terms should bring a trusted friend or relative along for support. It's important to note that some providers only accept new Medicaid patients at certain times of the year. Email or call the doctor's office for the correct time period.
The Medicaid program is both federally and state funded. It's designed to pay the health care costs, in full or in part, for people who can't afford their medical treatment. Some services might require a co-payment. Physicians and medical care providers who participate in the program provide a full range of health care, from primary care, to dental care, to emergency room visits, or specialized medical treatment. Provider participation is voluntary.
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