Independence Blue Cross and Premier Orthopaedics Sign New Five-Year Agreement

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Oct. 26 -- Independence Blue Cross issued the following news release:

Independence Blue Cross (Independence), the region's largest health insurer, and Premier Orthopaedics (Premier), a full-service physician owned orthopedic practice with more locations throughout Chester and Delaware counties than any orthopedic provider, have signed a new five-year agreement. The agreement makes Premier a participant in Independence's Facilitated Health Networks (FHN) model - a collaborative approach that is focused on bringing health insurers, hospitals, and doctors together to improve the quality and lower the costs of healthcare in the region. The new agreement, effective October1, 2018, illustrates a continued commitment between Independence and Premier to work closely together to ensure that members are receiving care in the most appropriate, high-quality, and cost-effective settings.

Under the FHN model, Premier has agreed to implement site of service and episodes of care programs that put their physicians in charge of an entire episode of care. This ensures that appropriate diagnostic tests are completed, that procedures are performed in the most appropriate setting, and ultimately that all follow up care results in an optimal outcome for Independence members. This type of arrangement helps keep healthcare costs down and provides members the highest quality care with their doctors highly engaged in the process.

"We are very excited about the agreement and to be able to work with Premier in a new way that will help strengthen our commitment to ensuring members receive high-quality care at the right place and at the right price," said Anthony V. Coletta, MD, MBA, president of Facilitated Health Networks at Independence. "They have been a loyal partner of ours for more than a decade and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship."

"Premier's participation in the FHN model is a natural evolution of our longstanding and collaborative relationship with Independence," said Matt O'Malley, Premier's chief executive officer. "It exemplifies our commitment to our patients and will allow our physicians and therapists to provide them with the most efficient, comprehensive, and highest quality musculoskeletal care available in our area."

About Premier Orthopaedics

Premier Orthopaedics, a regional musculoskeletal leader for more than two decades, is the largest orthopaedic practice in Delaware and Chester counties with 72 physicians and surgeons caring for patients in more than 30 physician offices, 16 therapy locations, 3 MRI facilities, and orthopaedic urgent care, as well as providing dedicated athletic trainers, team physicians, and medical support to nearly 30 local high schools and colleges. From arthroscopy and joint replacement to sports medicine, spinal care, and the management of rheumatologic disease, Premier is committed to providing its patients with the highest quality musculoskeletal care in the Philadelphia region. To schedule an appointment within 24 hours, call us at 855-ORTHO-24 (855-678-4624), or visit premierortho.com for more information.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 8 million people nationwide, including 2.5 million in the region. For 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.