The region’s largest health system has settled its differences with the largest medical insurance provider, ending a nearly-three-month forced contract extension.
Conemaugh Health System and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield jointly announced Monday the new three-year contract that provides Highmark members access to all Conemaugh facilities.
“We feel that we have come to an agreement that is fair and beneficial for everyone involved,” Conemaugh President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Becker said.
The health system and insurance company were at odds regarding reimbursement rates, or what Highmark pays for various procedures and treatments. The previous contract expired at the end of June, but the state Insurance Department stepped in and ordered a six-month extension.
“The new agreement demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to continuing our long-standing relationship,” Highmark President and CEO Ken Melani said.
Conemaugh Chief Financial Officer Edward DePasquale said the contract assures stability through the contract period.
“I think both sides feel like they compromised,” DePasquale said. “The rate allows us some predictability over the next three years.”
As part of the agreement, Conemaugh will participate in Highmark’s pay-for-performance initiative, QualityBlue.
“It looks at things like reduction in certain hospital acquired infections, medical technology implementation and surgical care measures for improved patient care,” Highmark spokesman Aaron Billger said.
A company study suggests that by participating in QualityBlue, hospitals elsewhere saved between $32.8 million and $52 million last year by preventing central blood line infections, a Highmark news release said.
Local News
Conemagh, Highmark announce settlement
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
