CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and UNC Health Care have reached a multi-year agreement for the health care system to continue to serve BCBSNC’s customers.  The new agreement allows only a modest inflationary increase in payment to UNC Health Care by BCBSNC and includes all owned practices as part of a single contract. BCBSNC customers will continue to have access to all services and institutions that are part of UNC Health Care, including UNC Hospitals, Rex Healthcare, Triangle Physicians Network, UNC Physicians & Associates and Chatham Hospital.
 
 “Over the past year, we have been fortunate to work with UNC Health Care on several initiatives that will help provide better, more efficient health care to our customers. UNC has continued that spirit of cooperation and demonstrated willingness to be flexible and open to the urgent need to control costs,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “In 2011 we have reached agreements with several hospitals across the state for modest increases. We are optimistic that other hospitals will follow UNC’s lead and show that they are serious about joining the fight to rein in health care costs.”
 
“UNC Health Care remains committed to the continuity of care for our patients and the development of creative solutions that reduce health care cost,” said UNC Health Care CEO Dr. Bill Roper.  “These rates allow UNC Health Care to continue to provide the highest quality care and patient experience to BCBSNC customers.”
 
In addition to this contract, BCBSNC and UNC have collaborated on other efforts over the past year:
  • Making UNC HCS hospital-based clinics more affordable by generally treating them as physician office visits beginning August 2011;
  • Collaborating to establish a patient-centered medical practice that targets better, more cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic conditions; and 
  • Developing a worksite-based primary care clinic and wellness program for employees of the Town of Chapel Hill.
 
 
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 77 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
 
About UNC Health Care:
The UNC Health Care System is a not-for-profit integrated health care system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill. It exists to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina and to provide state-of-the-art patient care. UNC Health Care is comprised of UNC Hospitals, which is ranked among the top 50 in the nation in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report; the UNC School of Medicine, a nationally eminent research institution; community practices; home health and hospice services in seven central North Carolina counties; Rex Healthcare and its provider network in Wake County; and Chatham Hospital in Siler City.  For more information, visit unchealthcare.org.
 
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