Insurer WellPoint to revamp primary care pay

[January 27, 2012]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --Health insurer WellPoint says it plans to improve primary care doctor payments and start reimbursing physicians for some things it doesn't currently cover as a way boost care quality and save money.

WellPoint Inc. operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states and is the largest health insurer based on enrollment, with more than 34 million people covered.

The Indianapolis company says it will increase the fees it pays to doctor practices, and it will start paying for services like preparing care plans for patients with complex medical problems. It also will offer doctors an opportunity to share in some savings when better patient care leads to a reduction in costs.

The insurer will start rolling out this new payment plan in the third quarter.

[Associated Press]

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