Mayo Clinic becomes in-network option for PPO members

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Mayo Clinic in Florida have expanded their agreement, making Mayo Clinic an in-network option for BCBSF BlueOptions (PPO) members, effective April 1, 2011. This multi-year contract marks the broadest relationship to date between BCBSF and Mayo Clinic in Florida as it builds off the existing Traditional Program and BlueChoice PPO networks.

"We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Mayo Clinic that will benefit BCBSF members and the community," says Andy Marino, vice president of network development at BCBSF. "This agreement will add great value for our BlueOption members to take advantage of Mayo Clinic's group practice and specialty care, as well as those who are in our Traditional and BlueChoice PPO networks."

"Mayo Clinic is committed to providing personalized, coordinated care for patients. This expanded agreement means more Blue Cross and Blue Shield members throughout Florida and the Southeast now have the ability to take advantage of our care," says Dr. William C. Rupp, chief executive officer, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. "We're delighted to be working more closely with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the delivery of health care services to their members."

With the expanded relationship, the following networks and products are now included in the amended agreement:

• The BCBSF Network Blue, which includes the BCBS BlueOptions product
• The BCBSF Preferred Patient Care (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.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida