Unified Physicians Receives Approval To Market Commercial Health Plans Statewide; Following Spring debut, physician-sponsored and -governed health plan already serving nearly 18,000 through a network of more than 6,100 providers.

FEDERAL WAY, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 1996--Unified Physicians of Washington, a physician-sponsored and -governed health plan, this week received approval from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to market its commercial products in all 39 counties throughout the state. Unified Physicians offers purchasers three of the most popular choices in plan design, including a preferred-provider plan, a point-of-service plan, and an exclusive, closed-panel plan.

"We've been steadily expanding our commercial service area from the 13 counties we debuted with this spring," says Jim Peterson, president and CEO of Unified Physicians. "With every county we added, we found people eager to explore this prime alternative: health plans where the physician and the patient drive treatment decisions. Now that we provide service statewide, employers of every size can turn to us for the choice, flexibility and value they've been looking for."

Already serving nearly 18,000 enrollees, Unified Physicians has developed a broad network of physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, physical and occupational therapy, mental health, home health, chiropractic and other allied providers. The total number of all providers now exceeds 6,100, including more than 4,600 physicians.

Unified Physicians received its health care services contractor license from the Insurance Commissioner in September 1995. Founded in 1994 by action of the Washington State Medical Association, the Federal Way-based company has since been capitalized with $12 million by more than 2,000 physician and physician assistant investors across the state, as well as by two stock placements with physician-sponsored organizations.

"We decided it was time to set a tone for the insurance industry and demonstrate that purchasers and patients can receive good value while preserving the patient-physician relationship. Too many health plans were mandating health care decisions, leaving physicians out of the process," explains Dr. Ed Gray, chairman of the board of directors for Unified Physicians and a Colville family physician.

"Unified Physicians is about physicians wanting the room to really work with their patients to achieve the best results in both the short term and the long run," says Gray. "It's about physicians wanting the responsibility and respect of a health plan that says, 'You're the expert. We expect you to make good choices, while providing patient satisfaction and managing costs. You're responsible.'"

"Unified Physicians is part of a growing trend," Peterson adds. "Physicians across the country have decided to get involved in the development of health plans so they can continue to provide high quality, cost-effective care for their patients."

Among the key medical groups and networks participating in Unified Physicians as of September are Wenatchee Valley Clinic and its Prime Net of affiliated groups; Stevens Health Network (Edmonds); Northwest Physicians Network (Pierce and South King counties); MedPartners Northwest (including the Everett Clinic); Community Choice (Wenatchee); and Doctors Health Plan (Auburn).

Others include Highline Management Services Organization (South King County); Northside Physician Hospital Network (Spokane and the northeast tri-county area); Physicians of Southwest Washington (Thurston County); Cascade Healthcare Alliance (East King County); Pacific Health Resources (Cowlitz and Lewis counties); Puget Sound Physician Association (Auburn area); the Polyclinic (Seattle); University of Washington Physicians (Seattle); and Valley Physicians Organization (Renton).

Peterson noted that the approval comes just as the organization begins its marketing campaign for the year-end open enrollment season. "We are in a great position for this year's open enrollments and will allow us to hit 1997 in full stride," he added.

CONTACT: Firmani and Associates

Mark Firmani, 206/443-9357