Patients of the clinic were notified by letter last week detailing the clinic's unsuccessful efforts to renegotiate its contract with United Healthcare, one of the largest providers in the state, insuring all state employees.
"We believe United's fee schedule (payments made to the clinic based on claims filed on behalf of patients) does not reflect the quality and the advanced nature of services we provide," wrote Dr. J. Randall Thomas, president of the Clinic. "United's best offer was a fee schedule that offered a net increase of less than 1% over the current schedule."
Patients were initially advised about the contract negotiations in a letter on May 10.
"We are aware of similar situations around the country," said Emmett B. Forrester, the clinic's chief financial officer, "not only with fee schedules but with standard contract issues as well. We have suitable contracts with other managed care insurance companies which are working well."
Forrester added, "We felt it was critical to make a timely decision about our relationship with United Healthcare as many patients will soon have the opportunity to change their insurance carriers, if they so desire, during employer open enrollment periods. Changing insurance carriers will enable patients to continue their care with our clinic at the levels they know and expect."
The letter also says that if patients are unable to switch insurance providers, the clinic will provide help in transferring them to another health care provider.
The clinic's patients are asked to telephone 770.297-4900 with questions or concerns.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/9/86163