Radiology Partners affiliate inks in-network agreement with BCBS of Texas
A key Radiology Partners affiliate has inked an in-network agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the two announced Friday.
Shenandoah-based Singleton Associates said the contract, which spans multiple years, will take effect on Nov. 1. The radiology practice believes the agreement represents a “significant achievement” for patients and providers, with both sides working together to ensure uninterrupted access to diagnostic and interventional care.
“We commend BCBSTX for recognizing the realities of the severe, nationwide radiologist shortage and the importance of partnering to ensure sustainable rates and access to critical emerging technologies to preserve access, reduce total system cost and enhance detection of life-threatening disease,” Byron Christie, MD, Rad Partners’ associate chief medical officer, southwestern operations, said in a statement Oct. 2. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with BCBSTX and believe this agreement demonstrates what is possible when health plans and providers work together to solve complex healthcare challenges.”
Rad Partners said Singleton Associates and BCBS of Texas coordinated closely to reach their agreement. It believes the pact recognizes that “fair, sustainable reimbursement and strong network relationships are in the best interests of patients, providers, health plans and the healthcare system as a whole.” Singleton provides a broad range of hospital-based and outpatient imaging services across Texas, including 24/7 emergency radiology coverage and highly specialized interventional treatments. Both sides believe the agreement can serve as a strong foundation for continued collaboration.
Founded in 1954, Singleton Associates first joined Rad Partners in 2014. RP has inked several similar in-network deals with other BCBS affiliates in recent months. These included an August agreement between Atlanta-based Northside Radiology Associates and Anthem BCBS of Georgia and another in June between Golden State Imaging Associates and Anthem Blue Cross. The latest agreement comes as radiology practices fight to stay in-network with health plans amid challenging contract negotiations and ramifications from the No Surprises Act.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.