Update on Academic Urology contract negotiations

We are writing to provide you with an update on the anticipated end of the contract between Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and Academic Urology of PA, LLC.

IBC and Academic have exchanged proposals regarding contract terms that would allow Academic to remain in our network. The contract proposal we have offered Academic includes reimbursement rates that are consistent with the competitive rates we pay to other urologists in our network. We have also offered to meet with Academic to discuss reimbursement and other significant business and billing disputes. However, given the nature and scope of our disagreements, we must prepare for our contract with Academic to end on November 30.

If the contract with Academic ends, we will consider Academic physicians and locations out of network including the locations listed below. To see a list of the physicians affiliated with Academic Urology, please refer to the link at the end of this email.

Associates in Urology
Bryn Mawr Urology
The Urology Center of Chester County
Tricounty Urology
Urologic Associates of Montgomery County
Urologic Health Associates

About 9,000 commercial members and 3,300 Medicare Advantage members who received care at Academic within the last year will be affected by this change.

There are 48 Academic physicians at multiple locations, a majority of which are urologists, who will no longer be participating in our network if the contract with Academic ends. However, our members will continue to have access to a broad network of 151 urologists at more than 500 locations in our five-county service area.

Please know that we remain well prepared to ensure our groups and members are informed about the situation, understand our perspective, and know that we have services in place to ensure the continuity of care.

Communications

We will be sending out follow-up letters to members this week to update them on the contract negotiations. Please refer to the list of attachments below for more information.

eBulletin sent on 9/9/11
List of doctors affiliated with Academic Urology
List of urologists that remain in network
Follow up member letter
Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions, please contact your Independence Blue Cross account executive.

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