Rad Partners’ Georgia affiliate signs in-network agreement with Anthem BCBS

A Radiology Partners-affiliated practice has inked an in-network agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, the two announced Monday. 

Atlanta-based Northside Radiology Associates said the pact will span multiple years and ensure Anthem members continue having uninterrupted, in-network access to diagnostic and interventional care. 

Both sides believe the new agreement reinforces their shared commitment to care coordination, affordability and long-term health network stability. 

"Radiology plays a vital role in helping patients receive timely diagnoses and the right care at the right time," Amanda Free, president of Anthem BCBS of Georgia, the largest commercial insurer in the state, said in a statement Aug. 3. "We're pleased to continue our partnership with Northside Radiology Associates, ensuring our members have access to high-quality imaging services while advancing our shared commitment to quality, affordability and coordinated care."

Northside Radiology Associates employs 70-plus physicians, according to its website, providing the full range of imaging services across hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician practices. It first joined Nashville, Tennessee-based Rad Partners in 2019 and had served as the exclusive provider of imaging services to Georgia’s Northside Hospital health system since 1970 at the time. 

NRA said the new agreement will provide long-term stability to health plan members in Georgia. 

"We're pleased to extend our longstanding relationship with Anthem through this multi-year agreement," added Nicholas Waddell, MD, MBA, associate chief medical officer, clinical operations, at Northside Radiology Associates. "Together, we're supporting hospitals, physicians and patients across Georgia by providing reliable access to high-quality radiology services that help improve the care experience and health outcomes."

The agreement comes as radiology practices fight to stay in-network with health plans amid challenging contract negotiations and ramifications from the No Surprises Act. Rad Partners’ Southern California affiliate Golden State Imaging Associates also similarly inked an in-network deal with Anthem Blue Cross in June. Same for New York-based Empire State Radiology, which signed an agreement with Cigna in December.

Anthem (also known as Elevance Health) has tried to punish hospitals for using radiologists and other providers that are outside of its networks. The insurance group earlier this year enacted a policy that charges a 10% penalty for those using these docs. Hospitals, meanwhile, have sued to try and quash the change. 

Founded in 2012 and backed by investors, Rad Partners is the largest imaging group in the U.S. with an estimated 4,000 physicians serving 3,400-plus client sites.