Blue Cross changes rules for doctors.(forces physicians to join independent practice associations)(Brief Article)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is planning to terminate contracts with 250 Harris County physicians who are part of the HMO Blue Texas network.

The health plan informed the physicians that they must join four local independent practice associations to continue to serve HMO Blue Texas patients or lose access to the network, effective Dec. 31.

Physicians must join the Heritage Physician Network, Houston Network, Inc., People 1st Healthcare Network or the Renaissance Physician Organization.

Ted Haynes, vice president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Southeast Texas business unit, confirms the health plan sent out letters to 250 general practitioners and internists in selected zip codes in Harris County where IPAs are operating and accepting professional capitation.

Under the capitation model, IPAs handle claims management, payments and utilization. The physicians are paid in advance based on …