Anesthesia group, BCBST ink deal

Photo by Art Lasovsky on Unsplash

Anesthesia Medical Group and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee have signed a contract, averting a Sept. 1 network change that would have impacted surgeries requiring anesthesia across Middle Tennessee.

The two parties reached a verbal agreement about 10 days ago, but the five-year contract wasn’t signed until this week.

“We’re happy to continue our relationship with AMG, a longtime partner who has provided quality care to Tennesseans for many years,” BCBST said in statement.

In a letter to employers, AMG said it appreciated support and and that “we never wanted this issue to cause any anxiety for any patient” or company.

No additional information about the agreement was disclosed.

The network dispute stoked concerns among hospital and surgery center leaders as they wondered whether patients would get out-of-network bills or if anesthesiologists would be available for procedures.

Read more about the dispute and why it had hospitals and patients on edge:

Why the dispute highlights how meaningful change to protect the patient from surprise bills would mean altering the flow of money

Deadline looms as BCBST, Anesthesia Medical Group stalemate continues