Griffin, UnitedHealthcare agree on contract

Griffin Hospital in Derby and UnitedHealthcare have come to an agreement on terms of a new three-year provider contract, effective Dec. 1, 2012.
As a result, Griffin will not be terminating its participating provider relationship with United.

“Griffin Hospital is an important provider of healthcare services, and we are pleased that our employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage members will be able to receive ongoing medical treatment without any disruption,” said Stephen J. Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual of New England in a statement issued to the media.
“Our renewed network relationship with Griffin Hospital will give UnitedHealthcare and Oxford plan participants in Connecticut continued access to high quality, affordable medical facilities and skilled physicians at Griffin Hospital.”

The agreement was reached after more than a year of negotiations between Griffin Hospital and UnitedHealthcare.

"Griffin Hospital thanks our community for its patience during the contract negotiations," said Patrick Charmel, Griffin Hospital President and CEO.
"Thanks in large part to their vigorous support, we were able to achieve a successful resolution and avoid any disruption of service at Griffin Hospital for our UnitedHealthcare and Oxford Health Plan patients."
The fair and reasonable terms of the new provider agreement will enable Griffin Hospital to continue investing in technology and services that expand its capability to meet the healthcare needs of its community while maintaining its industry leading performance in the areas of quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.

"Griffin takes its role as our community’s hospital very seriously, and we are very pleased we were able to avoid any further concern or inconvenience for our patients," said Charmel.  "We also thank UnitedHealthcare for recognizing the value that Griffin offers and the essential role we play in our community as the region’s high-quality, low-cost healthcare provider."