Dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates as a measure of their pediatric Medicaid participation

The objective of the study was to determine the usefulness of dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates as a measure of their participation in the Medicaid program for children. Data were obtained from two mail-in questionnaire surveys of Connecticut dentists, before and after an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for children. Dentists ranked acceptability of Medicaid reimbursement rates on a seven-point index, while their participation in the Medicaid program was assessed by whether they acknowledged treating Medicaid children and were currently accepting new Medicaid children into their practices. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) in the dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates following the rate increase indicating that the index was responsive. Acceptance of new Medicaid children into dental practices was a better measure of active participation in the Medicaid program. Following the increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates, dentists ranking it as acceptable/equivocal were more likely (p<0.02) to accept new Medicaid children into their practices. In conclusion, the index of dentists' ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates was a responsive and valid measure of their participation in the Medicaid program.