Empire Blue BlueCross BlueShield is teaming up with Consumer Health Services to operate retail healthcare clinics, with the goal of providing health plan members with better access to non-emergency care at a lower cost.
All CHS-managed, retail-based physician practices will be recognized as Empire in-network healthcare providers.
"Non-emergency care administered by an emergency room is a costly and often a time consuming event for the patient," said James D'Orta, MD, chairman and CEO of CHS. "The partnership between Empire and CHS gives Empire plan members access to high-quality, physician-centric care within their network, which reduces costs to both the consumer and the insurer."
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is the largest health insurer in New York.
In May 2007, CHS worked with Duane Reade and Endres Bowers Medical Group, PC to launch DR Walk-in Medical Care. CHS currently manages four DR Walk-In Medical Care sites in Manhattan.
The clinics provide access on a walk-in basis for routine physical exams and basic treatment services, along with health screenings, medical tests and vaccinations.
CHS plans to expand to New York's outer boroughs in the early part of 2008, in addition to launching partnerships with other major New York health systems.
"Empire BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to partner with CHS and provide a broader range of affordable, convenient healthcare access to our customers," said Mark Wagar, president and CEO of Empire BlueCross BlueShield. "These centers are a helpful and complimentary addition to what is already the largest healthcare network available to New Yorkers - both locally and nationwide."
Wagar also emphasized that physicians practicing at these sites will be affiliated with major local health systems throughout New York and will ensure continuity of care for the patients they serve by using an electronic medical record that can subsequently be referenced by the patient's primary care physician.