If you were having difficulty opening the spreadsheet in the previous broker news, an alternate link has been created to correct this problem.

SIPA Network Update

After exhaustive negotiations, Coventry Health Care failed to come to satisfactory terms with Shenandoah Independent Practice Association (SIPA), a Winchester-based group of independent physicians. On June 9, 2010, we issued an intent to terminate our provider agreement with SIPA as an entity, effective December 9, 2010. In the period since, we have worked diligently to contract with SIPA providers on a direct basis. As a broker partner, you understand the importance of competition in the marketplace in order for employers to have viable choices in their health care options.

Those of you most significantly affected by this change in our contracting strategy have already been receiving progress updates. On November 8, 2010, a letter will be mailed to all members who have received services from SIPA providers who have yet to contract directly with us. This letter will notify members that their providers will not be participating in the Coventry Health Care Network and direct members to the online provider search to find alternative providers. Click here to access a spreadsheet illustrating the contracting progress with SIPA providers. We intend to update this spreadsheet twice a month, so feel free to check back for additional information. (This link is available on our website on the Broker landing page.)

Although some members may be inconvenienced by this contracting initiative, we will continue to make every possible effort to negotiate fair and reasonable contracts that address cost and equity, and to provide access to quality health care providers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact your Account Manager with questions.

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