Checkup

Mayo Now in Network
for BlueCross/BlueShield PPO Patients

Since Jan. 1, Mayo Clinic and St. Luke's Hospital have been in-network options for BlueCross and BlueShield of Florida (BCBSF) BlueChoice PPO members. Mayo and BCBSF signed a three-year contract — the broadest relationship to date that includes Mayo Clinic's 320-plus physician group practice and its admitting hospital. The agreement also applies to the clinic's new214-bed hospital opening in spring 2008 on the San Pablo Road campus.

"We are gratified to have reached this agreement with Mayo Clinic and St. Luke's Hospital," says Dr. Barry Schwartz, vice president of network management for BCBSF. "This agreement will add great value for our PPO members, as well as those who are in our Traditional network."

The following networks and products are in-network at Mayo Clinic and St. Luke's Hospital:

• The BCBSF Preferred PatientCare (PPC) network, which includes the BlueChoice PPO product.
• The BCBSF Traditional network, which includes the Preferred Physician Services (PPS) and Preferred Hospital Services (PHS) networks. BlueCross' Indemnity product falls under these networks.

"MayoClinic's forte is providing personalized, coordinated care for patients facing difficult diagnoses and treatments," says Dr.George Bartley, chief executive officer of MayoClinic in Jacksonville. "This expanded agreement means our specialty care is now available to more BlueCross and Blue Shield members throughout Florida and the Southeast."