A large number of Pittsburgh-area physicians still want UPMC to resume contract negotiations with Highmark despite a proposed merger with the hospital system's rival, West Penn Allegheny Health System, according to a Pittsburgh Business Journal report.
A survey found 78 percent of respondents, or 378 physicians, within the Allegheny County Medical Society encourage UPMC and Highmark to continue working towards new contracts. Eighty percent of respondents said the lack of a contract would negatively impact access to care.
The medical society has already met with Highmark on the issue and plans to meet with UPMC in a few weeks. It may take pressure from an additional group, such as local business leaders, to restart negotiations between the two groups, according to the report.
Highmark has expressed willingness to continue negotiations, while UPMC has declined further negotiation due to the insurer's merger plans with its competitor. The Highmark-UPMC contract is set to expire June 2012.
Read the Pittsburgh Business Journal report on Highmark, UPMC and West Penn Allegheny Health.
Related Articles on Highmark, UPMC and West Penn Allegheny Health:
Highmark to Acquire Pittsburgh's West Penn Allegheny Health System
Highmark, UPMC Continue Standoff on Contracts
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Highmark Contract May End in 2012
A survey found 78 percent of respondents, or 378 physicians, within the Allegheny County Medical Society encourage UPMC and Highmark to continue working towards new contracts. Eighty percent of respondents said the lack of a contract would negatively impact access to care.
The medical society has already met with Highmark on the issue and plans to meet with UPMC in a few weeks. It may take pressure from an additional group, such as local business leaders, to restart negotiations between the two groups, according to the report.
Highmark has expressed willingness to continue negotiations, while UPMC has declined further negotiation due to the insurer's merger plans with its competitor. The Highmark-UPMC contract is set to expire June 2012.
Read the Pittsburgh Business Journal report on Highmark, UPMC and West Penn Allegheny Health.
Related Articles on Highmark, UPMC and West Penn Allegheny Health:
Highmark to Acquire Pittsburgh's West Penn Allegheny Health System
Highmark, UPMC Continue Standoff on Contracts
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Highmark Contract May End in 2012