Erie’s largest obstetrics-gynecology practice has notified its patients that it will stop accepting Highmark health insurance May 15 unless a new provider contract is reached.
OB/GYN Associates of Erie is an independent medical practice with four offices: two in Erie, one in Titusville and one in Ashtabula, Ohio. Its physicians deliver babies and perform gynecological procedures at both UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital.
In the letter sent Wednesday, OB/GYN Associates advises patients with Highmark insurance to contact the insurer and convince it to reach a new agreement.
“We want you to know that our group is doing all that we can to negotiate our agreement with Highmark,” OB/GYN Associates said in the letter. “In the meantime, we will do everything possible to provide you with continuity of care and to minimize any disruption which impacts your care.”
A message to OB/GYN Associates seeking comment was not returned.
Highmark officials said in a statement that they continue to negotiate with the practice. A provider agreement determines how much a medical office or hospital receives from a health insurer for covered services, such as office visits and procedures.