I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that Yavapai Regional Medical Center has decided to withdraw from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona network. Our hope is that YRMC will choose to accept our proposal and more than fair increase his $124 million already paid for services on behalf of the member.

1 – I want YRMC to stay on the network.

After months of working to make this happen, we met them halfway and offered millions more dollars, but they refused to meet us halfway through. can be accepted at any time, and we welcome them with open arms.

2 – YRMC’s commitment to the community should extend to affordability.

According to published financial data, YRMC has consistently posted positive operating income. This is not a financially distressed hospital, it has a strong track record of successfully managing resources on behalf of the community. That said, we should not give up on making healthcare more affordable. Across all Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona networks, YRMC is the 4th most expensive hospital in the state, receiving reimbursement rates that are twice the average of Phoenix hospitals and three times the average of Tucson hospitals .

3 – YRMC receives $124 million annually from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

We have had a productive relationship with YRMC over the decades and it has never been a mess. That positive relationship seems to have changed since partnering with Dignity Health. YRMC hopes to accept the proposal so it can pay an increase on behalf of the member on top of his $124 million they already receive each year.

4 – Members get the care they need.

ER visits are always covered, with thousands of in-network providers in Yavapai County. According to YRMC self-reported health information exchange data, he averaged 3 to 4 people per day who were unable to connect to the network due to hospitalization in the past 3 months. Our clinical team is available 24/7 and works with providers to ensure that specific patients receive the care they need. For more information on how we care for inpatients, visit azbluefacts.com/yavapai/your-care.

If a member requires admission from the ER, admission may be handled in different ways depending on the patient’s medical status.

• If a member requires more advanced care or treatment than the ER facility can provide, the patient will be transferred to another facility that can provide the necessary care.
• If the YRMC is able to provide care and the patient can be safely transferred to a facility within the network, BCBSAZ will assess the situation and may arrange for the member’s transfer at no additional cost to the member.
• If the YRMC can provide care and the patient cannot be safely transported to a facility within the network, the patient is covered by the YRMC’s network.

5 – I am concerned that YRMC may cancel a patient’s appointment.

YRMC appears to be causing patient confusion by canceling patients who are eligible for ongoing care or who are not included in a negotiated contract. We have received reports from patients of these occurrences and are working to ensure that they receive treatment. When network transitions occur, the health of our members is our absolute priority. Continuity of care is addressed by law, contract language, and medical ethics to ensure ongoing care is not interrupted.

More information and updates are available at azbluefacts.com/Yavapai. We will continue to do our best for our members. We look forward to working together for health, community and affordability.

Pam Kehaly is President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.