BRIEF: Pittsburgh EMS chief hired by Highmark for new venture [The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]

March 23--Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services Chief Bob McCaughan has taken a job with Highmark Inc., the health insurance company said today.

McCaughan will start April 9 as Highmark's vice president of pre-hospital services.

Highmark said McCaughan will be in charge of emergency patient care for the insurer's new integrated health care delivery system that it's creating to compete with UPMC.

Highmark, which is spending $475 million to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System, has said it also will invest another $500 million to build the new health care delivery system, which will include urgent care facilities, outpatient centers and medical malls, in addition to hospitals and doctor practices.

Highmark is the state's largest health insurer with about 2 million members in Western Pennsylvania.

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