Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare's acquisition of Athens (Ga.) Regional Medical Center could threaten the hospital's in-network status with UnitedHealthcare, reports Flagpole.
During the past two months, Piedmont has terminated commercial contracts with UnitedHealthcare at its existing six facilities. Both the health system and insurer blamed the contract terminations on reimbursement disagreements.
ARMC will become PiedmontAthensRegionalMedicalCenter Oct. 1. It will be the seventh community hospital in Piedmont's system.
ARMC spokesperson Elaine Cook told Flagpole ARMC currently remains in-network for UnitedHealthcare members. Hospital officials declined to comment on possible contract changes until the acquisition takes affect at the start of next month, according to the article.