Evaluating the network adequacy of vision care services for children in Arizona: A cross sectional study

Rizwana Biviji; Nikita Vora; Nalani Thomas; Daniel Sheridan; Cindy M. Reynolds; Faith Kyaruzi; Swapna Reddy; Rizwana Biviji; Nikita Vora; Nalani Thomas; Daniel Sheridan; Cindy M. Reynolds; Faith Kyaruzi; Swapna Reddy

doi:10.3934/publichealth.2024007

AIMS Public Health

2024, Volume 11, Issue 1: 141-159. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2024007

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Research article

Evaluating the network adequacy of vision care services for children in Arizona: A cross sectional study

1.
College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
2.
College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
3.
School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

Received: 28 September 2023 Revised: 09 January 2024 Accepted: 10 January 2024 Published: 29 January 2024

Background
Vision challenges are among the most prevalent disabling conditions in childhood, affecting up to 28% of school-age children. These issues can impact the development, learning, and literacy skills of affected children. While vision problems are correctable with timely diagnosis and treatment, insufficient networks can impede children's access to comprehensive, and high-quality care.
Objective
The study aims to determine where pediatric vision care network adequacy exists in the state of Arizona and where there are gaps in receiving vision care for children.
Methods
This cross-sectional study assessed the adequacy of pediatric vision care networks in Arizona through a “secret shopper” phone survey. Calls were made to practices that accept Arizona's Medicaid program, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and/or commercial insurance. Providers were contacted following a standardized script to schedule routine appointments on behalf of 10 and 3-year-old patients enrolled in either Medicaid or commercial health insurance plans. The study examined various components of children's access to vision care services, including the reliability of provider directory information, time until the next available appointment, bilingual service offerings, ages served, region of practice and types of care available.
Results
A total of 556 practices in Arizona were evaluated through simulations as patients on AHCCCS, and 510 practices were assessed through simulations as patients with commercial health insurance plans. The average wait time for the next available appointment was 13 days for both insurance types. Alarmingly, up to 74% of vision care practices in Arizona do not serve children covered by AHCCCS. Furthermore, only 41% provide services to children 5 years and younger.
Conclusions
Our findings underscore the need to improve access to vision care services for children in Arizona, especially racial/ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and rural residents.
- health disparities,
- access to care,
- vision care,
- pediatric,
- network adequacy
Citation: Rizwana Biviji, Nikita Vora, Nalani Thomas, Daniel Sheridan, Cindy M. Reynolds, Faith Kyaruzi, Swapna Reddy. Evaluating the network adequacy of vision care services for children in Arizona: A cross sectional study[J]. AIMS Public Health, 2024, 11(1): 141-159. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2024007

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Abstract

Background

Vision challenges are among the most prevalent disabling conditions in childhood, affecting up to 28% of school-age children. These issues can impact the development, learning, and literacy skills of affected children. While vision problems are correctable with timely diagnosis and treatment, insufficient networks can impede children's access to comprehensive, and high-quality care.

Objective

The study aims to determine where pediatric vision care network adequacy exists in the state of Arizona and where there are gaps in receiving vision care for children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed the adequacy of pediatric vision care networks in Arizona through a “secret shopper” phone survey. Calls were made to practices that accept Arizona's Medicaid program, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and/or commercial insurance. Providers were contacted following a standardized script to schedule routine appointments on behalf of 10 and 3-year-old patients enrolled in either Medicaid or commercial health insurance plans. The study examined various components of children's access to vision care services, including the reliability of provider directory information, time until the next available appointment, bilingual service offerings, ages served, region of practice and types of care available.

Results

A total of 556 practices in Arizona were evaluated through simulations as patients on AHCCCS, and 510 practices were assessed through simulations as patients with commercial health insurance plans. The average wait time for the next available appointment was 13 days for both insurance types. Alarmingly, up to 74% of vision care practices in Arizona do not serve children covered by AHCCCS. Furthermore, only 41% provide services to children 5 years and younger.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the need to improve access to vision care services for children in Arizona, especially racial/ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and rural residents.

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, and in partnership with Karen Woodhouse (Director) and Eyes on Learning. Additionally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated research assistant Judie Omais for her assistance in the data collection process.

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest in this study.

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