WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare Sign New Three-Year Contract
November 17, 2022
RALEIGH, N.C. (November 17, 2022) – Following months of complex negotiations and diligent work to ensure an agreement was reached that protects the interests of patients and physicians, from both a care delivery and financial standpoint, WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare have signed a new, three-year contract. As of November 15, 2022, UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage members have in-network access to WakeMed hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty physicians. WakeMed Primary Care physicians have always remained in contract.
The new contract does not include United’s Medicaid Managed Care plan (UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of NC), the Medicare Select plan (not currently available in our market), or UnitedHealthcare plans available on the health care marketplace/exchange (ACA plans).
“Throughout these negotiations, our unwavering focus was on protecting the patient-provider relationship and ensuring that WakeMed receives equitable reimbursement for the services we provide. The contract signed late last night will protect the patient-provider relationship and allow us to continue fulfilling our mission of improving the health and well-being of all those we serve,” said Dr. Seth Brody, Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive at WakeMed. “The last few months have been very challenging, and we appreciate the tremendous support and patience from our patients, providers, employees, and the community.”
WakeMed will resume scheduling and providing services, on an in-network basis, to UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plan members. WakeMed is currently notifying patients, providers, and members of the community about the new contract.
About WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 970-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 80 physician offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 10,300 employees, 1,000 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 580 physicians and providers with WakeMed Physician Practices – all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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