Boise, April 2nd, 2019 – Primary Health Medical Group (PHMG) has accepted a minority investment from Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service, Inc. The investment supports growth and expands quality care programs while furthering Blue Cross of Idaho’s commitment to bring more choice and greater access to high quality, affordable healthcare to Idaho.
The additional capital will allow Primary Health to build new clinics and hire additional primary care physicians as well as develop staff and resources crucial to the growth of value-based care programs and patient care management.
Primary Health will continue to operate as an independent medical group, as it has over the past 25 years, retaining complete control of clinic operations and administration. PHMG will also continue to contract with and be in network for all insurance plans. In addition, Blue Cross of Idaho will continue to work with all providers across the state.
David Peterman, M.D., CEO of Primary Health, believes innovation and vision were key to establishing this new partnership. “There are many challenging aspects of health care. PHMG has a history of making high-quality health care accessible and affordable. This strategic partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho is the next step in allowing our providers to work directly with payers to coordinate care for their patients. As a result, patients will receive even better, more coordinated care, with improved health outcomes.
“Blue Cross of Idaho appreciates and values our role in this community and supports us remaining independent. As Idaho’s oldest insurer, the company has a rich history of helping Idahoans access health care. They will be able to provide us with the resources and expertise to support programs that will benefit all health care consumers in our community, regardless of which insurance plan they use. We are very fortunate to be able to work with Blue Cross of Idaho.”
“Blue Cross of Idaho is committed to supporting access to high-quality, affordable care in Idaho,” said Charlene Maher, president and CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho. “Primary Health brings a demonstrated value to its patients, delivering rapid access to efficient and high-quality medical services. We believe we can work with Primary Health to bring an Idaho solution which helps drive down costs and bring innovative care to the Treasure Valley.
“Blue Cross of Idaho and Primary Health know that we need to expand access to primary care, which will help drive down the overall cost of healthcare. To achieve this goal, Primary Health wanted to expand its footprint and a greater investment in both value-based care and population health management. Our investment in Primary Health made sense to help them bring the next level of care to Idahoans.”
Boise-based Primary Health Medical Group is a predominately primary care medical group with 18 clinics and more than 100 providers seeing more than 400,000 patient visits a year. All clinics offer walk-in urgent care and appointment-based family medicine, so unlike the traditional model, providers can work together to address episodic and chronic care needs. The group also has physicians in pediatrics, sports medicine, dermatology, occupational medicine, and ear, nose, and throat. Learn more at www.primaryhealth.com.
About Blue Cross of Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho, a not-for-profit mutual insurance company based in Meridian, Idaho, is a leader in delivering innovative health insurance products, services and information to more than 564,450 members. For 74 years, the company has advocated on behalf of its members to ensure they have access to high-quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost. It also serves the people of Idaho through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross of Idaho is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit bcidaho.com.