ABSTRACT
I made the next two series of calls posing as a patient referred by my physician with the diagnosis of a possible brain tumor and the recommendation that I undergo MRI as soon as possible. When questioned about my insurance status in the second series of calls, I stated that Medi-Cal (Medicaid) was my payer. Representatives of 6 of the 17 centers said that they could schedule such a study within two to three weeks if my physician would be willing to complete the extensive paperwork necessary to obtain special authorization from Medi-Cal. Representatives of the other 11 units stated that they did not accept Medi-Cal coverage under any circumstances.
