Premera Blue Cross Expands Provider Network
Premera Blue Cross and Puget Sound Family Physicians (PSFP) announced today that they had reached agreement on a new three-year contract that will bring the practice and more than 40 physicians back into the Blue Cross Network effective September 15, 2008.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome these quality physicians back into our provider network," said Brian Ancell, Premera’s Executive Vice President, Healthcare Service and Strategic Development. "As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, the ability of health plans and physician groups to work together is critical to providing affordable healthcare for Washington’s families and individuals as well as their employers.
"Developing relationships that benefit everyone – patients/members, employers, physicians and all healthcare providers – is vital not only for today, but for long term sustainability of our healthcare system in Washington and the U.S. Our brokers, employer groups, and members should feel good knowing that Premera will responsibly hold the line on costs, but work to find ways to offer the most inclusive network of quality providers in this state.
"While Premera is extremely satisfied with the terms of the new agreement, PSFP is to be congratulated for their efforts during our discussions to find ways to work with us as a partner to find a mutually beneficial outcome for our members."
"As physicians, our focus is on our patients’ health and well being," said Robert Bettis, MD, PSFP Medical Director. "But as a key member of the healthcare system, we have a responsibility to keep the system affordable in the long run because affordability and access go hand-in-hand. We are pleased to have reached an agreement and look forward to serving Premera members. Given our locations, many of those members are also Premera associates."
Premera members who visit one of the four PSFP locations, Marysville Family Medicine, Edmonds Family Medicine, Snohomish Family Medical, and Woodinville Primary Care will receive the highest level of benefits their health plan offers. Members who visit contracted providers also benefit from the Blue Cross network discount, one of the best and deepest in the nation.
About Premera Blue Cross
Our mission is to provide peace of mind to our members about their health-care coverage. We provide health care coverage and related services to more than 1.5 million people. Premera Blue Cross has operated in Washington since 1933, and Alaska since 1952. Premera Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Premera Blue Cross is a member of a family of companies based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, that provide health, life, vision, dental, and long-term care insurance, and other related services.