Associated Physicians signs with insurer to replace Pru. (Associated Physicians of Tampa Bay Inc.; Anthem Health Systems; Prudential Health Care System of Tampa Bay)

Jacksonville-based Anthem Health Systems continues to expand in the Bay Area

A doctors group fired by Prudential Health Systems of Tampa Bay last year will now become the physician network for Jacksonville-based Anthem Health Systems Inc. as the insurer expands its Bay Area operations.

"We're looking at this as a substitute to the PruCare business," said Associated Physicians of Tampa Bay Inc. President Dr. Daniel Frazier.

The contract between 145 APTB primary-care physicians and Anthem went into effect April 1. About 650 APTB specialist physicians will also work in Anthem's Tampa Bay network.

Anthem is owned by Associated Insurance Companies Inc. of …