Radiology Partners affiliate inks in-network deal with Anthem Blue Cross
A Radiology Partners affiliate has inked an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross, restoring in-network access for plan members across California.
The deal is with Golden State Imaging Associates, which serves Southern California, providing 24/7 diagnostic and interventional services to hospitals and other referrers. Under the multiyear agreement, health plan members will have restored in-network coverage for Rad Partners physicians dating back to June 1.
“The agreement reflects a shared commitment to patient access, clinical quality, and network stability, ensuring Anthem members have seamless access to GSIA’s diagnostic and interventional radiologists,” Golden State Imaging said in a June 15 announcement. “Through this renewed partnership, GSIA and Anthem will continue supporting hospitals, referring physicians, and patients statewide with timely, accurate interpretations that enhance care delivery.”
Golden State Imaging Associates has two divisions, according to its website, including Rad Partners Southern California and RIMA. The latter, an acronym for Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates, was acquired by RP in 2018. Rad Partners secured a nearly $700 million credit facility from Golub Capital at the time to help fund future growth, refinance debts and complete acquisitions, Radiology Business reported at the time. Anthem Blue Cross, meanwhile, covers approximately 9.3 million Californians, making it one of the state's largest commercial insurers.
The move comes as radiology practices fight to stay in-network with health plans amid challenging contract negotiations and ramifications from the No Surprises Act. New York-based Rad Partners affiliate Empire State Radiology also inked an in-network deal with insurer Cigna in December. Same for Florida RP practice Mori, Bean and Brooks, which signed a new contract with Florida Blue in November.
Founded in 2012 and backed by investors, Nashville, Tennessee-based RP is the largest imaging group in the U.S., with an estimated 4,000 physicians serving 3,400-plus client sites.
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.