Highmark delays episode payments for specialists.
In the wake of opposition from participating specialty physicians and reports of problems with similar systems around the country, Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield says it will wait until early 2001 to implement changes in the way it pays three types of specialty physicians for treating its Medicare HMO members.
D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans; D003284:Contract Services / Q000191:economics; D004470:Economics, Medical; D017050:Episode of Care; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D013038:Specialization