BUFFALO, NY – Independent Health and Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) have reached agreement on a new, multi-year provider contract that includes new financial terms and covers all cancer services offered by Roswell Park. The contract takes effect January 1, 2007.

As a result of the agreement, Roswell Park will continue to offer services to Independent Health members without interruption.

An international leader in the cancer field since 1898, Roswell Park is well-known for its strengths in research, its multidisciplinary, disease-specific cancer teams and its compassionate staff. Long regarded among the top tier of the nation’s quality specialty centers, RPCI brings innovative therapies to patients from across the state and around the world.

“Working collaboratively and cooperatively with our provider partners is essential if we are to make sustainable improvements in the quality and value of care in this region,” said Michael Cropp, MD, President & CEO, Independent Health. “Throughout negotiations, both sides remained squarely focused on the recipients of that care. That allowed us to agree on a contract that addresses the needs of Roswell Park and reflects Independent Health’s commitment to preserving the access to high quality, affordable cancer care for our members.”

“Progress in the fight against cancer cannot occur in isolation. Collaborations with our community partners are key to achieving better patient outcomes,” said David C. Hohn, MD, President & CEO, RPCI. “Our motivation during the negotiations was to provide the necessary resources that would allow Roswell Park to continue to deliver excellent care to every patient insured by Independent Health who walks through our doors.” Dr. Hohn added, “This new agreement is about much more than financial reimbursement. It fosters and supports vital initiatives to improve cancer care in our region and the efficient delivery of that care.”

Independent Health and RPCI have a long history of successful collaborations to improve the quality of cancer care delivered in Western New York. In a landmark study published in the international medical journal, Cancer, Dr. Cropp and Stephen Edge, MD, Chair of Surgical Oncology at RPCI reviewed Western New York claims data on cancer care, paving the way for the improvement of overall cancer care in the region. 

Headquartered in Buffalo, Independent Health began operations in 1980 and has consistently been rated among the top health plans in the country for customer service and member satisfaction. Independent Health’s comprehensive portfolio of product and service offerings include HMO, POS, PPO and EPO products, Medicare and Medicaid plans, traditional indemnity insurance, consumer-directed plans, coverage for self-funded employers, plus health savings account (HSA) and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services. Independent Health’s extensive provider networks include more than 789,000 physicians, 3,600 hospitals, and 40,000 pharmacies nationally. Combined, the company provides health benefits and services to nearly 375,000 individuals in Western New York and throughout the country. For more information, visit Independent Health’s website at www.independenthealth.com.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute- designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

 

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