A Redding, Calif. OB-GYN is closing his practice October 2 due to ongoing issues with insurance payouts, the latest in a wave of physician departures that a local councilmember says has already shuttered more than half of the city’s physician practices, ABC 7 reported Aug. 3.
Samuel Van Kirk, MD, cited insurance reimbursements that have failed to keep pace with rising costs as the reason for the closure. Fellow physician and city councilmember Paul Dhanuka, MD, said the problem is widespread, noting that while physician costs have nearly doubled since 2001, insurance payouts have increased only 8% to 10% over the same period, according to the American Medical Association.
Dr. Dhanuka warned the specialist shortage is making it increasingly difficult for residents to access care locally, with the nearest alternatives often hours away. Patients of Dr. Van Kirk are encouraged to begin searching for a new provider and should request records before October 1.
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