I know that lots of folks have either read an article in the Anniston paper, or received a letter from BCBS, concerning not covering patients who choose care at RMC. RMC has terminated its contract with BCBS effective 9/12/14. This is because, while RMC treats very sick patients, it is not reimbursed fairly. The hospital is losing money, and cant offer the best equipment, or to keep the best nurses, without fair reimbursement. The Birmingham hospitals receive $500 more dollars PER DAY for a pneumonia patient, for instance, than RMC does. Do not believe for a minute that BCBS insurance rates will rise IF BCBS is forced to pay RMC fairly. Support our local hospitals by writing BCBS and telling them that you WILL look for other insurance, such as United Health Care, rather than use hospitals outside Calhoun County. BCBS MUST be forced to negotiate fair reimbursement rates for our local hospitals, or the hospitals will not be able to survive!!! I can still admit BCBS patients to RMC after 9/12/14. BCBS HAS to honor admissions that come thru the ER. This will make the ER VERY busy, but we can adjust, and pregnant patients, AND others, can receive the care that they need. Obviously, I also have privileges at Stringfellow Hospital in Anniston, and Riverview Hospital in Gadsden. Still, we cannot let the behemoth of BCBS push doctors, nurses, hospitals, and patients around any longer. It needs to end NOW, so that patients can choose what is best for them, and not have LIMITED choices! I urge you to be involved and to contact BCBS.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:51:51 +0000