We recently received a notice from Independence Blue Cross regarding their relationship with Abington Emergency Physician Associates, PC (AEPA).  AEPA, the physician group who exclusively staffs the emergency departments at Abington Memorial Hospital and Lansdale Hospital, has terminated its contract with Independence Blue Cross as of July 1, 2012.

As a result, effective July 1, 2012, AEPA is no longer participating in IBC's network.  Members will still be able to receive emergency services from AEPA at Abington Memorial Hospital and Lansdale Hospital.  However, members enrolled in commercial HMO/POS plans may be balanced billed the difference between the reasonably necessary costs IBC pays for emergency services, and AEPA's charges for these services, if care was received from AEPA in the emergency departments of Abington Memorial Hospital or Lansdale Hospital on or after July 1, 2012.

Medicare Advantage HMO/POS/PPO members are not impacted by this change as they cannot be balanced billed by AEPA.  Since AEPA physicians remain participating in the Highmark Blue Shield network, AEPA claims for commercial Personal Choice/PPO members will be covered at the Highmark contracted network rate, and AEPA physicians are precluded from balance billing the member.

Members who are balance billed may contact our office, before paying your bill, to allow our experienced staff to help resolve the situation.

Please visit www.ibx.com/puttingcustomersfirst for more information and a list of frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us.