Lexington Medical Center Looks to Continue Negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
February 20, 2015
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Lexington Medical Center was disappointed to learn that BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina sent its members and employers communication on Thursday stating that beginning March 1, 2015 Lexington Medical Center facilities and all of its employed physicians will no longer be considered “in-network” for the BlueCross’ Preferred Blue (PPO) plan.
Contrary to statements from BlueCross BlueShield, Lexington Medical Center has been working to negotiate fair and reasonable terms with the insurance provider for months, offering proposals that are in line with previous agreements and that will allow the hospital to continue providing excellent health care to the people of our community.
“Lexington Medical Center hopes to continue negotiating with BlueCross BlueShield before the March 1 deadline,” said Mike Biediger, President & CEO of Lexington Medical Center. “We hope that we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement to care for the patients we serve.”
Lexington Medical Center was surprised that BlueCross BlueShield publicly informed its members that negotiations had ended while the hospital was still in active discussions with them about the contract. In fact, the hospital thought it was very close to reaching an agreement. The substance of BlueCross BlueShield’s letter to members and employers has unnecessarily concerned members of the community, creating undue alarm and confusion. Lexington Medical Center has had a good relationship with BlueCross BlueShield for decades, and the hospital is very hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
Lexington Medical Center’s mission is to provide quality health services that meet the needs of our community, and the hospital is committed to furthering discussions with BlueCross BlueShield to best meet the needs of the patients we serve.
About Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 6,000 health care professionals. The network also includes comprehensive cardiovascular and oncology care affiliated with Duke Medicine, an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas and 58 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center has won “Best Hospital” by readers of The State for 12 years, “Best Hospital” by readers of the Free Times, “Best Place to Have a Baby” by readers of Palmetto Parent, the “Consumer Choice Award” from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious “Summit Award” from Press Ganey for outstanding patient satisfaction. Visit LexMed.com
