BHS accepts all insurances
Butler Health System continues to allow patients access to all of its services and doctors regardless of insurance.
Unlike the major hospitals in Pittsburgh, smaller community hospitals like Butler Memorial accept both Highmark and UPMC health insurance.
Going a step further, those holding one of those insurances who need to see a hospital-affiliated specialist that contracts with the other organization can also see that specialist.
For example, if a patient with Highmark or other insurance would be best served by UPMC cancer services, that option is available in the Butler Health System.
Conversely, if a patient with UPMC or other insurance, like Cigna or Aetna, needs care by Highmark services, they can do so at Butler Memorial Hospital or its satellite facilities.
Steve Karls, Butler Health System's controller, said the hospital contracts with both UPMC and Highmark health insurances.
The two local health care giants operate their own hospitals in Pittsburgh and do not accept each other's patients there.
But at community hospitals like Butler Memorial, accessing services and doctors from either company is simple.
Karls said BHS employs 200 doctors who are contracted to the health system and provide services to patients of multiple insurance providers.
Independent doctors in the community who have staffing privileges at Butler Memorial can accept the insurances they choose, Karls said.
He said the BHS agreement with Highmark that allows their clients to use the UPMC cancer program in the Butler Health System expires in June 2021.
“But we have no trouble renewing,” Karls said.
Regarding the upcoming deadline to access Medicare, Karls said those who use the Butler Health System have the advantage of accessing any service or doctor within the system if they choose the regular Medicare plan.
Those choosing Medicare for the first time this year, if they select regular Medicare, will not be forced to change doctors if they use a BHS physician, Karls said.
