An Assessment of Certified Health Education Specialists’ Attitudes on Direct Third-Party Reimbursement for Health Education Services

Abstract

This study used a valid questionnaire to assess certified health education specialists’ (CHES) opinions regarding issues of seeking payment from insurance companies (third-party reimbursement) for health education services. A total of 1,942 usable questionnaires were returned, and the responses were used for data analysis. Results from descriptive statistics indicated that the participants acknowledged both the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with seeking direct third-party reimbursement (DTPR) for health education services. In addition, study results suggested positive attitudes among the participants regarding DTPR. However, study results also indicated existing reservations among the participants in terms of the feasibility of seeking DTPR. Inferential statistics indicated that all demographic factors except race had no influence on participants’ attitudes toward seeking DTPR. Discussions of the study results and recommendations for the health education profession are provided.