STAT

Opinion: Ghost networks of psychiatrists make money for insurance companies but hinder patients’ access to care

I tried calling a list of psychiatrists who supposedly took my insurance, but found a "ghost network" instead: Some were dead. Many weren't taking new patients. Others didn't take my…

When I started my training in psychiatry, a senior doctor told me I should have a therapist of my own. He explained that it’s essential to understand myself so I can better understand my patients.

That made sense, so I started calling a list of psychiatrists who supposedly took my insurance. Some of them were dead. Many weren’t taking new patients. Others didn’t take my insurance. I couldn’t find a single psychiatrist on the list to see me. It took months of networking for me to finally find a

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MDMA For PTSD, A CRISPR Treatment For Blindness, And More
An FDA advisory panel will deliberate on June 4 whether to recommend approval for the first MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MorphoSys Drug Risks, An AstraZeneca Admission, And More
MorphoSys is dealing with a safety issue with pelabresib, the experimental treatment for myelofibrosis and centerpiece of its proposed $3 billion acquisition by Novartis.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An Amgen Obesity Drug, A Senate Bill On Shortages, And More
Amgen will no longer develop an early-stage obesity pill, and will instead focus on a more advanced injectable candidate to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.

Related Books & Audiobooks