Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Packard Children’s Continue to Treat All Patients with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California Plans

Hospitals Assure Patients that Out-of-Pocket Costs Will Remain The Same

For Release: September 15, 2011

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford Hospital & Clinics (SHC) and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (Packard Children’s) are continuing negotiations with health insurance providers while continuing to serve patients covered by the companies' plans. During this period, the Hospitals will honor patients’ in-network rates, so that their out-of-pocket costs are no higher than they normally would be.

“We regret any inconvenience or concern this may be causing patients at our hospitals and clinics,” said Norm Rizk, MD, Sr. Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at Stanford. “We want to reassure our current and future patients insured with these health plans that we are committed to providing them with the care and access they expect.” Added  Kenneth Cox, MD, Packard Children’s Chief Medical Officer, “Patients can continue to be treated at our hospitals regardless of their insurance benefit, procedure or authorization status.”

SHC continues to negotiate with Anthem Blue Cross, and Packard Children’s continues to negotiate with Anthem Blue Cross and with Blue Shield of California. The Hospitals are working toward reaching new agreements as quickly as possible. We encourage patients to call our 24/7 hotline at 1-877-519-6099 or 650-736-5998 with any questions or concerns.

Authors

Reena Mukamal

About Stanford Medicine Children's Health

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford at its center, is the Bay Area’s largest health care system exclusively dedicated to children and expectant mothers. Our network of care includes more than 65 locations across Northern California and more than 85 locations in the U.S. Western region. Along with Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine, we are part of Stanford Medicine, an ecosystem harnessing the potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes around the world. We are a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the community through meaningful outreach programs and services and providing necessary medical care to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Discover more at stanfordchildrens.org.