Anthem Blue Cross Scheduled Rate Change
 
On November 2, 2009, Anthem Blue Cross announced that they will be making some changes to their physical therapy network that include opening up the network to new therapy providers, removing geographic restrictions and allowing multiple locations to be added to one contract. In addition to these changes, Blue Cross plans to modify the current reimbursement policy to a per diem model.
 
Effective February 1, 2010, Anthem Blue Cross will reimburse physical therapists at $75 per visit for all treatment regardless of the intensity of care provided. CPTA is strongly opposed to this proposed change to the reimbursement policy. CPTA promotes fair and appropriate payment for physical therapist services. Physical therapists offer highly skilled and highly valued services to Anthem Blue Cross beneficiaries. Lowering the current contracted rates from an average of $100 per visit to $75 per visit will prove to be financially detrimental to clinicians and their Anthem Blue Cross patients. 
 
CPTA met with Anthem Blue Cross over the last year and advocated for fair and appropriate payment for physical therapist services. CPTA will formally respond to Anthem Blue Cross and request a meeting to address this issue. CPTA along with PTPN, and OTAC played an integral role in educating Anthem Blue Cross on the dire affects of reductions in payment for consumers of physical therapist services in 2008. We have developed a collegial relationship with Anthem and are confident that our concerns will be considered. It is a top priority of the CPTA to educate payers on the importance of quality care and fair payment for services. We will continue to communicate our members’ concerns with Anthem Blue Cross until we reach a resolution. Please urge your patients to write directly to Anthem and inform them of the impact on their access to care and your practice.
 
 
All inquiries can be sent to Sharron Fuqua at Sharron.Fuqua@Wellpoint.com <mailto:Sharron.Fuqua@Wellpoint.com> .
 
Sharron Fuqua
Anthem Blue Cross
Ancillary & Specialty Networks
21555 Oxnard Street, 8-B
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
 
Please send copies of your provder letters to Tameka Island at tisland@ccapta.org <mailto:tisland@ccapta.org> .
 
You may contact Tameka Island at CPTA for additional information at 800-743-2782, ext. 108.
 
If you have specific Anthem Blue Cross network questions please call 800-933-6633.