The University Hospital and Anthem Sign Liver Transplant Insurance Agreement
Contact: Patty Thelen (513) 585-7200 8-18-2005
Cincinnati - Effective August 1, 2005, The University Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio began a contractual relationship for the provision of certain liver transplant services to Anthem health benefit plan enrollees. Prior to the new contract becoming effective, access for an Anthem member requiring a liver transplant from a deceased donor at The University Hospital was limited due to network requirements. Now, Southwestern Ohio liver transplant patients with Anthem coverage may be able to stay closer to home and will benefit from one of the shortest wait times in the country. The University Hospital has an average wait time of two months for a liver transplant, as compared to the national average of 10-12 months.
In order to be considered for the Blue Quality Centers for Transplant Network, The University Hospital underwent an application and onsite review process with Anthem's national association, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), an association of independently licensed Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. To apply, hospitals must demonstrate excellent clinical outcomes, perform a high volume of transplants and be a Medicare-approved liver transplant provider. The onsite visit reviewed in depth the transplant treatment process at The University Hospital, including patient management policies and treatment protocols, the coordination and continuity of care for liver transplant patients, communication with referring physicians, patient and family support and education, and hospital and program performance improvement initiatives. Program statistics are submitted yearly to the BCBSA to maintain enrollment, and The University Hospital will undergo an onsite review every three years.
"This relationship will be a tremendous benefit to patients in Greater Cincinnati. Not only will our patients and families be able to receive the exceptional level of care they've become accustomed to at The University Hospital, they will be able to remain in their home community. As an in-network provider, University Hospital will also be able to provide liver transplants to patients from other outlying areas," said Paul Volek, transplant administrator at The University Hospital.
The University Hospital offers the Tristate's only adult liver transplant program. To learn more about liver transplantation at The University Hospital, visit www.cincinnatitransplant.org.
The University Hospital is a part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The Christ Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, The Fort Hamilton Hospital and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom.
