Demand a Choice in GI Care
Patients deserve a choice in where they receive care, and we believe that choice is at risk for our patients who are insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).
Despite multiple efforts by GastroIntestinal Specialists (GIS), BCBS has refused to amend our contract to ensure that premium-paying members may continue having access to quality gastrointestinal (GI) care at fair rates.
Without a commitment to updated and reasonable terms, our contracts with BCBS will begin to expire, in phases, beginning December 1, 2023.
Letter to Patients – July 17, 2023
It’s important to know that nothing will change before December 1, 2023.
Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and continue to see their GIS providers as normal.
Take Action
- Call your health plan. The phone number is listed on your health plan member ID card.
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Voice concerns to your employer or human resources department
- Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana directly.
- Call 318-750-3426 between 8AM and 8PM on Monday to Friday.
- Click here to submit a message online.
- Sent a letter:
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BCBS of Louisiana
P.O. Box 98029
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9029
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FAQ
GastroIntestinal Specialists has initiated the negotiation for fair reimbursements from Blue Cross Blue Shield for two primary reasons:
- Delayed Reimbursement Updates
Despite numerous attempts by GastroIntestinal Specialists to negotiate a fair rate, Blue Cross Blue Shield has denied changes to reimbursement rates for 20 years. - Significant Increases and Continuously Rising Costs of Services
Since our last reimbursement update in 2004, inflation has nearly doubled the cost of supplies and labor. Combined with lasting financial impacts from the pandemic, we believe it’s imperative that BCBS fairly address the realities of impending financial implications for the healthcare industry and, subsequently, patients.
No. If an agreement isn’t reached, contracts will begin terming in phases beginning December 1, 2023. This means that not all BCBS patients will be affected at the same time. We will notify patients who are nearing expiration, according to the insurance information we have on file in our clinic.
Insurance plans have raised premiums significantly in the past 20 years. However, reimbursement rates have not been adjusted to reflect the increased rates of premium-paying members. GIS is seeking updated and appropriate reimbursements from current health plan premiums and not families or employers.
If an agreement isn’t reached and your insurance is scheduled to expire, you could qualify for continuity of care. Continuity of care would allow you to see your provider until the course of treatment is complete or 90 days after you were notified of the provider leaving the network (whichever comes first). Learn more here.
No, your coverage should not be affected.
Absolutely. Regardless of your policy’s home state, we encourage you to call 318-750-3426 or the number on the back of your insurance card and request that GIS remain in network for all BCBS policies.
No. At this time, we’re optimistic that an agreement will be reached, and patients should continue seeing their providers as normal. We will provide ample notice to patients before a plan expires.
Our Commitment to You
For nearly five decades, we’ve worked to build a practice of distinguished physicians, nurses and staff with the goal of providing the best possible care for our community. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your healthcare provider. Your health and the health of our community continues to be of paramount importance for our providers and staff.
We remain fully committed to engaging in fair and reasonable contract relationships with all commercial health plans that wish to do so.
If you have any questions regarding these negotiations, please give us a call at 318-631-9121.