Century Health Solutions, Inc. (Century), Topeka, announced it recently entered into a definitive agreement for WPPA (dba ProviDRs Care), Wichita, to acquire its Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), including its client service contracts and a majority of its participating provider agreements. The network acquisition closed on Monday, June 15, 2015. Century is an affiliate of Stormont-Vail HealthCare and has owned a medical provider network in northeast Kansas since 1993. “Century feels the transaction is in the best interest of our clients and our network providers over the long term. The combined business volume for ProviDRs Care will allow it to provide a competitive PPO network in our medical service area,” said Gina Ochsner, President and CEO, Century Health Solutions, Inc. “The sale of our provider network will allow Century to focus on the strength of its insurance agency and consulting services for employer groups and individuals”. Century has also operated an independent agency since 1998 which provides insurance solutions for employee benefit programs and individuals under and over age 65.
ProviDRs Care is a statewide PPO network owned by the Medical Society of Sedgwick County and has been operational since 1985. Currently there are 9,000 providers and 130 hospitals contracting in the network that is for lease by insurance companies and third party administrators. The acquisition of the Century PPO network will primarily improve provider access in the greater Topeka area and northeast Kansas.
ProviDRs Care has assumed all client service agreements and certain participating provider agreements held by Century. All contracts have assigned at current terms and conditions. Minimal disruption is expected with the network change.
“We are extremely excited about this expansion of providers and delivering greater access and choice to our members. This acquisition strengthens our network in northeast Kansas, adding over 2,000 providers and 10 hospitals, and allows us to provide border-to-border access for our clients,” said Karen Cox, CEO, ProviDRs Care.
Members of the Century provider network will receive new Identification Cards as soon as possible following the closing date. The cards will include a new phone number and web link to locate participating providers and to provide new claim submission instructions for providers.
ProviDRs Care will continue to conduct on-going education to Century providers regarding the transition plan and service requirements for newly acquired clients, members and patients. The Provider Relations Department at ProviDRs Care can be reached at (800) 801-9772.