CDPHP, St. Peter's Health Partners, trade jabs in contract dispute that could affect thousands

CDPHP and St. Peter's Health Partners are taking shots at each other during routine contract negotiations — but despite the bad blood, both sides say they anticipate reaching an agreement by the end of the year, WAMC reported Nov. 11. 

Albany, N.Y.-based St. Peter's Health Partners sent letters to patients warning them the health system and CDPHP could be out of network if a contract agreement is not reached by Dec. 31. 

Ali Skinner, a spokesperson for the Albany-based payer, told WAMC the letters were "inappropriate" and "premature." 

"It's nothing more than a negotiating tactic on behalf of St. Peter's to really put their patients in the middle and try to use that as leverage in these contract negotiations," Ms. Skinner said. 

Steven Hanks, MD, chief clinical officer and COO of St. Peter's Health Partners, told the news station the letters were a necessary step to keep patients fully informed. 

Like many recent payer-provider disputes, the conflict arose over reimbursement rates as the cost of providing care continues to rise. 

 Dr. Hanks told WAMC he is "very optimistic" the two sides will reach an agreement by the end of the year. 

Ms. Skinner also told the station CDPHP expects an agreement will be reached without disruptions to patient care. 

St. Peter's Health Partners operates four hospitals and several clinics in the Albany region, according to its website. The health system is a member of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health. 

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