title: Cherry Picking in the 'Aina: Inequalities of Access to Dermatologic Care in Hawai'i.
abstract: There is evidence that people who are insured by Medicaid have difficulty accessing health care from private providers. This study documents access to dermatology care for a hypothetical patient insured by Medicaid in the State of Hawai'i. Posing as young Medicaid patient with a changing mole, we called all dermatologists listed on the American Academy of Dermatology website and requested an appointment to be seen. Only 23% of dermatologists contacted accept all Medicaid plans and an additional 12% accept some. Thus 65% of dermatologists called do not provide specialist care to Hawai'i's Medicaid population.
authors.affiliation: Third Year Student, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (MLF).
authors.forename: Mariah L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.affiliation: Third Year Student, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (MLF).
authors.forename: Douglas W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Third Year Student, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (MLF).
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Elpern
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006254:Hawaii; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008484:Medicaid; D014481:United States
keywords: Medicaid; access to care; dermatologist; dermatology; medical insurance