Summit Medical Group to Participate in Blue Network S
New contract expands care to 109,000 in greater Knoxville area
East Tennessee’s leading primary care organization, Summit Medical Group, will participate in BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s Blue Network SSM (Network S), effective Jan. 1, 2015. The inclusion in Network S increases Summit’s ability to provide primary care services to a total of more than 109,000 lives.
“This is significant for us given we have not been a part of this network for the past 12 years,” Summit Chief Executive Officer Tim Young said. “We’re pleased to reach a contractual agreement for 2015 and know that this arrangement will be beneficial for our customers who will now have additional access to Summit providers through BlueCross.”
Enrollment in commercial insurance plans for effective date Jan. 1, 2015 begins in October for many businesses. Those choosing Network S will now find Summit’s more than 215 providers listed as participating partners.
“We are happy to announce this agreement,” BlueCross CEO Bill Gracey said. “Summit Medical Group has a strong history in East Tennessee and serves a large percentage of our customer base which will now have even more quality and cost-effective providers they can access across the region.”
In addition to Network S, Summit also participates in BlueCross’ Blue Network PSM (Network P). BlueCross offers two distinct Blue networks, each with its own group of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers. Network P includes a wide variety of credentialed doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers. Network S includes a narrower selection of credentialed providers, with a focus on affordability.
About Summit Medical Group:
Summit Medical Group is one of the largest primary care based organizations in East Tennessee with 215 physicians and more than 100 advanced practitioners providing care at 53 practice locations in 12 East Tennessee counties. Summit also consists of four diagnostic centers, seven physical therapy centers, three express clinics, a corporate wellness program, a central laboratory and a sleep services center. Summit provides healthcare services to a total 308,000 patients, averaging 81,000 encounters each month. Summit is dedicated to offering value-based care coordination through the region’s largest Accountable Care Organization, Summit Health Solutions. Summit’s Statcare division provides superior care for hospitalized patients and includes more than 60 physicians working with mid-level providers. For more information, visit www.summitmedical.com.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company serves more than 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBSA). BCBSA is an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit the company’s website at bcbst.com.
