Medicaid rate changes continue to impact health care providers in all practice areas. But many people don’t know that most legislators agree a rate increase is key to the continuation of many essential medical services. Rather, the root of the problem is the debate over exactly what rate changes should take place.
Behavioral health programs and human service fields are examples of areas that have often been overlooked amid rate discussions. Although, providers across many other practice areas report that they haven’t seen notable rate increases in over a decade.
Stagnant pay, along with rising burnout levels, are leading many health care organizations to experience staffing shortages. With health care staffing availability at what most would consider an all time low, provider networks across the country are in jeopardy as service costs will only increase and patient outcomes are at risk of declining.
Many organizations recognize that raising hourly wages is the only way to attract dedicated staff, but some places are having difficulty despite already making those changes. This is especially the case in areas with a high cost of living.
The majority of people understand that raising rates to support companies in paying their providers a livable wage is one of the most salient ways to make a positive change in the industry. However, there are other steps organizations can take to retain staff and strengthen their role within local provider networks:
- Devise alternative revenue development strategies designed to supplement Medicaid reimbursement.
- Improve planning and scheduling workflows to ensure existing processes are not contributing to employee burnout.
- Take advantage of provider contracting in accordance with value-based care to effectively utilize all available resources to administer health care services.
Organizations that are struggling to maintain their provider network should solicit network development services to ensure they are adequately meeting members’ needs. TOG Network Solutions is here to help you build a strong provider network and develop proven strategies to retain staff and improve patient outcomes.