February 6, 2025
Since 1937, Slocum has been proud to serve this community as a local, independent, physician-owned practice focused solely on providing exceptional orthopedic care to our patients.
We regret to inform you about a potential change in our relationship with Regence BlueCross BlueShield that may impact members of their insurance plan.
Each year, Slocum reviews its agreements with insurance companies to ensure reimbursement rates keep pace with rising healthcare costs while maintaining our high standard of care. Despite our efforts over several months to engage in meaningful discussions, Regence has proposed reimbursement rates that are below our costs and would impact our ability to maintain the level of care our community relies on.
Slocum is not a multi-billion dollar company like Regence and we feel we need to take a stand at this time and ask Regence to reimburse us at a fair market rate that covers our costs of providing care. While we remain committed to reaching an agreement that protects patient access to quality orthopedic care, if we are unable to do so by April 1, 2025, Slocum will become out-of-network for Regence members.
Important Information we are sharing with the community includes:
- Current patients do not need to take any action at this time.
- If a patient is currently on a treatment plan, that patient’s care will continue without changes to clinic visit costs even if the agreement ends.
- Our surgery center will be out of network on April 1, 2025. If a patient has surgery scheduled on or after April 1, 2025, the patient’s costs may increase. Patients should contact Regence to confirm out of network benefits.
- All scheduled clinic appointments will proceed as planned.
We understand this situation may cause concern and appreciate your patience and support as we continue to work with Regence to find a resolution. If you have questions, please contact:
Regence BlueCross BlueShield
Commercial Member Customer Service: 1-888-675-6570
Group Administrator Customer Service: 1-866-738-3924
Medicare Advantage Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan Customer Service: 1 (800) 541-8981
Thank you