Denver-Based Health Plan Loses Contract with University Hospital.

Byline: Marsha Austin

Apr. 22--Community Health Plan of the Rockies lost its contract with University of Colorado Hospital and its physician group last week because of frequent denials and chronic delays in paying medical bills and in providing referrals to specialists, said hospital executives.

"We've had to arm-wrestle to get claims paid," said John Cassin, a hospital vice president. "This plan has definitely stood out as an underperformer."

Community Health Plan patients -- most of them on Medicaid -- will no longer be covered for services at University Hospital or clinics served by its doctors beginning Sept. 17.

Community Health Plan …