MedCity News May 3, 2024
Lawmakers have ghost networks in their sights, and payers can prepare now for policy changes.
It’s not uncommon for a patient, when searching their insurer’s provider directory, to find listings for physicians who are no longer practicing and no longer in-network, as well as inaccurate addresses, phone numbers, and websites. These phantom entries create “ghost networks” in health insurance.
For more than a year ghost networks have made headlines as an increasingly serious issue for payers, providers, and especially patients. Riddled with inaccurate data, these networks often lead to delayed care and surprise bills, significantly impacting member experiences and trust.
Frustrated patients have been contacting their elected officials to address the ubiquity of ghost networks. Legislators have been hearing from...