Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and the Willis- Knighton Physician Network have come to an agreement on terms to continue their relationship.

Blue Cross members can continue to count Willis- Knighton physicians as part of their Blue Cross and HMO Louisiana networks.

“In this new healthcare environment, negotiations are no longer simply about reimbursement amounts, but about how we can work together to bring the most value to our mutual members,” Dr. David Carmouche, executive vice president for external operations and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, said. “At Blue Cross, our team of doctors, nurses and healthcare analysts now have extensive cost and quality data. We use this data as the foundation of our negotiations. This ensures the negotiations are about rewarding quality, not quantity.”

“The turning point for us was when Willis-Knighton agreed to participate in our quality assurance programs,” he said.

“Willis-Knighton physicians have a long and positive history of providing quality care in our region and we value our relationship with the Blue Cross members,” James K. Elrod, president and chief executive officer of Willis-Knighton Health System, said. “We are pleased that Blue Cross recognized the importance of giving its members in-network access to the most comprehensive array of providers in our region, all dedicated to addressing the health and wellness of residents here in Northwest Louisiana.”

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