In a move the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center called "punitive and hostile," insurer and soon-to-be rival provider Highmark has decided to drop a UPMC-affiliated urgent care facility from its network, according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report.
The drop follows the creation of a joint venture between the urgent care center's owner, The Washington Hospital, and UPMC in November. In addition, Highmark barred UPMC's new hospital in Monroeville, Pa., from its network last month.
A UPMC spokesperson said the health system will not resume talks on a new contract with Highmark and this "behavior demonstrates why a contract with them is untenable," according to the report. The health system has voiced concern that Highmark will continue to arbitrarily drop new physicians hired by UPMC, according to the report.
Highmark is trying to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System, UPMC's crosstown rival, for $475 million. Highmark said it dropped the urgent care facility to prevent disruption in medical care and that "UPMC should negotiate a long-term contract … rather than short-term approaches for a single facility or service," according to the report.
West Penn Allegheny Expects Approval on Highmark Affiliation by Fall
UPMC Says West Penn is Withholding Details of Highmark Takeover
The drop follows the creation of a joint venture between the urgent care center's owner, The Washington Hospital, and UPMC in November. In addition, Highmark barred UPMC's new hospital in Monroeville, Pa., from its network last month.
A UPMC spokesperson said the health system will not resume talks on a new contract with Highmark and this "behavior demonstrates why a contract with them is untenable," according to the report. The health system has voiced concern that Highmark will continue to arbitrarily drop new physicians hired by UPMC, according to the report.
Highmark is trying to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System, UPMC's crosstown rival, for $475 million. Highmark said it dropped the urgent care facility to prevent disruption in medical care and that "UPMC should negotiate a long-term contract … rather than short-term approaches for a single facility or service," according to the report.
More Articles on Highmark and UPMC:
Feds Review Highmark-West Penn Deal for Antitrust ConcernsWest Penn Allegheny Expects Approval on Highmark Affiliation by Fall
UPMC Says West Penn is Withholding Details of Highmark Takeover