Why I accept Medicaid as a private practice dentist

Isaac Hohman, D.D.S., practices with father in rural Nebraska

Isaac Hohman, D.D.S., practices with his father, Doug Hohman, D.D.S., at Hohman Family Dentistry in Holdrege, Nebraska.

As dental providers in a rural community, the Hohmans participate in Medicaid to help improve access to dental care in their area.

Dr. Isaac Hohman shared more about why they see Medicaid patients in their private practice and what they have experienced as Medicaid providers with the New Dentist News below.

NDN: Why do you accept Medicaid in your practice?
Dr. Hohman: Being a family dental practice in rural Nebraska, we feel like we need to take care of families in our county and surrounding area of south-central Nebraska. This includes Medicaid-assisted clients. These patients, especially children under 16 and those with disabilities, deserve access to care.

NDN: What benefits and challenges have you experienced as a Medicaid provider?
Dr. Hohman: It is rewarding to us to treat those with severe dental problems and educate them on proper home care. Some providers do not accept any Medicaid-insured patients. I know this is mostly due to low reimbursement rates and frequent no-shows for scheduled appointments. We have had to limit the number of Medicaid clients as it does affect the financial bottom line of our practice.

NDN: Why should other private practice dentists consider participating in Medicaid?
Dr. Hohman: We would encourage other dentists in the state of Nebraska and nationally to do their part to accept some Medicaid-insured clients. Many of our Medicaid patients travel 30-90 minutes to receive care at our office. More providers accepting Medicaid as a small percentage of their patient base would really help those patients and other Medicaid providers in their state. It is important we all help to provide access to care in our local areas.