Boston-based, for-profit Steward Health Care System plans to affiliate with 150 physicians who are part of the Whittier Independent Practice Association, a group that is currently affiliated with the Beth Israel Deaconess Physicians Organization, according to a Boston Globe report.
The physicians could make up to $3 million more next year through access to a global payment contract Steward has with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The physician group wants to align with Steward beginning Jan. 1, but that falls short of the 180 day notice the group is required to give Beth Israel. Beth Israel could sign a waiver to release the group early, but the health system has not yet agreed to do so, according to the report.
Under the agreement, the physicians would receive global payments for caring for BCBS patients and would receive bonuses if the cost of care came in under budget. If the cost of care exceeds the budget, Steward has reportedly agreed to cover the excess costs.
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The physicians could make up to $3 million more next year through access to a global payment contract Steward has with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The physician group wants to align with Steward beginning Jan. 1, but that falls short of the 180 day notice the group is required to give Beth Israel. Beth Israel could sign a waiver to release the group early, but the health system has not yet agreed to do so, according to the report.
Under the agreement, the physicians would receive global payments for caring for BCBS patients and would receive bonuses if the cost of care came in under budget. If the cost of care exceeds the budget, Steward has reportedly agreed to cover the excess costs.
Related Articles on Steward Health Care System:
Nurses, Staff Plan Protest Against Steward in Boston
Steward, Landmark Medical Center Submit Merger Application