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End-of-Life Choices

Trends in end-of-life care show that not only does the care given vary widely from region to region and hospital to hospital, but also patients often don't get the care they prefer. What can be done?

Care Management Puzzle

Chronic diseases and the cost of care are rising. Are disease management programs improving outcomes for patients with complex, chronic conditions?

No Middleman

Under the "direct primary care" model, patients pay a monthly fee for basic medical services. Learn about the history and current landscape of physician practices offering this arrangement.

Health Plans

Friday, November 04, 2011

Stanford, Lucile Packard Hospitals Agree to New Contract With Anthem

Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have reached a deal with Anthem Blue Cross on a new three-year contract, the Palo Alto Daily News reports.

Background

A contract between the hospitals and Anthem was terminated on Sept. 1 (Dremann, Palo Alto Daily News, 11/2). In a letter sent to patients, Anthem said patients might have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for treatment and could have some claims denied.

On Sept. 15, the hospitals announced they would continue to honor Anthem rates that were part of the expired contract (Eslinger, San Jose Mercury News, 11/3).

Few Details of New Contract

Neither the hospitals nor the insurer immediately provided details of the new contract.

The agreement is retroactive to Sept. 1, meaning patients will not be charged higher rates for services provided during the period when there was not a contract in place (Palo Alto Daily News, 11/2).



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