CMA has learned that a number of physicians recently received faxed “contract amendments” from Integrated Health Plan (IHP). These seemingly official notices imply that the physician receiving the notice is already contracted with IHP, when they typically are not.

Signing this document may allow IHP to include you in its discount PPO network, providing access to your rates to more than 1,700 payors and 10,000 employer groups. Signing this document may also prevent you from participating in a class action law suit against IHP.

Physicians are advised, before signing any new contract or contract amendment, to review it carefully and make sure the terms of the agreement are mutually beneficially.

For more information, read CMA’s “Silent PPO Action Guide,” which contains an overview of physician discount contracts and discusses the laws that regulate PPO network leasing. The guide is available through CMA ON-CALL (document #1907). ON-CALL documents are available free to members at CMA’s members-only website. Nonmembers can purchase ON-CALL documents for $2 per page at the CMA bookstore.

Contact: Aileen E. Wetzel, 916/551-2037 or awetzel@cmanet.org.