More than 10,000 patients of MetroWest Medical Center physicians could be forced to switch providers if physicians continue a contract impasse with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, according to a MetroWest Daily News report.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has already started sending letters to employers and other customers, warning them that the physicians and the insurer must reach a decision by Jan. 17. According to MetroWest Medical CEO Andrei Soran, Blue Cross "walked away from negotiations" yesterday and accused the non-profit of strong-arming the company.
A spokesman from Blue Cross refuted the claim by saying the company "[has] not, would not and will not walk away from the negotiation table."
The dispute dates back to April and centers around the New England Quality Care Alliance, a physician group of 1,500 employed by Tufts Medical Center, MetroWest Medical or a practice connected to either hospital. The alliance entered into talks with Blue Cross and agreed several times to extend the deadline for reaching a new deal. The latest date, Jan. 17, has not been changed, prompting the warning letters from the insurer.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has already started sending letters to employers and other customers, warning them that the physicians and the insurer must reach a decision by Jan. 17. According to MetroWest Medical CEO Andrei Soran, Blue Cross "walked away from negotiations" yesterday and accused the non-profit of strong-arming the company.
A spokesman from Blue Cross refuted the claim by saying the company "[has] not, would not and will not walk away from the negotiation table."
The dispute dates back to April and centers around the New England Quality Care Alliance, a physician group of 1,500 employed by Tufts Medical Center, MetroWest Medical or a practice connected to either hospital. The alliance entered into talks with Blue Cross and agreed several times to extend the deadline for reaching a new deal. The latest date, Jan. 17, has not been changed, prompting the warning letters from the insurer.
Related Articles on Billing, Coding and Collections:
More Surgeons Opting Out of Insurance Contacts
CMS Extends Medicare Revalidation Deadline
Massachusetts Pushing "Full Steam Ahead" With Health Reform Implementation