Over the last several months, Dignity Health has been working in good faith to reach a new, responsible contract agreement with Aetna that puts patients first, and keeps Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) in-network for Aetna members. 

Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to reach an agreement. As a result, beginning Friday, April 5, Dignity Health YRMG is no longer considered part of Aetna’s network. Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center remains in-network. 

Aetna patients in active treatment may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Patients can obtain a Transition Coverage Request form (continuity of care) on the Aetna website or by calling Aetna using the phone number on the back of their insurance card.

Our organization relies on fair contracts to help us cover normal increases in the cost of providing high-quality care. Inflation has increased costs substantially and has created serious challenges for not-for-profit health care providers like us throughout Arizona and across the nation. 

We do not underestimate our responsibility as Yavapai County’s major provider of high-quality health care services. Our patients and the community are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize the inconvenience this situation creates. 

Although our contract with Aetna has ended, we are continuing to work in the best interests of our patients in hopes of reaching a new agreement with Aetna as soon as possible. 

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) was notified this afternoon that Aetna’s interpretation of the jointly agreed upon negotiation extension period will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, rather than on Friday, April 5 at 11:59 p.m. as previously stated. 

We remain hopeful that we will reach a resolution with Aetna that benefits those we serve right here in our community, and we greatly appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work toward reaching a fair and balanced agreement. 

This current negotiation only affects Yavapai Regional Medical Group in Yavapai County, as Yavapai Regional Medical Center remains in-network and is not part of this negotiation. 

Yavapai Regional Medical Group patients should continue to work with their physicians regarding plans for care. We encourage patients to call 877-729-2669 or visit www.dignityhealth.org/aetna to stay informed about their coverage including continuity of care.

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) and Aetna have jointly agreed to extend the negotiation period to Friday, April 5 at 11:59 p.m. This will allow Aetna-insured patients to maintain in-network access to YRMG services and providers through Friday, April 5. 

We remain hopeful that we will reach a resolution with Aetna that benefits those we serve right here in our community. We greatly appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work toward reaching a fair and balanced agreement with Aetna. 

This negotiation only affects Yavapai Regional Medical Group in Yavapai County. It does not affect Yavapai Regional Medical Center. 

We encourage patients to call 877-729-2669 or visit www.dignityhealth.org/aetna to stay informed about their coverage, including continuity of care.

(PRESCOTT – November 15, 2023) – Yavapai Regional Medical Center recently honored its recipients of the prestigious Acts of Humankindness Award for 2023. This national award, presented annually by CommonSpirit Health, recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of their patients and colleagues, embodying the true spirit of the CommonSpirit mission.

The recipients are:

• Patricia Kaawaloa - RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit
• Mavis "Taylor" Cooper - RN, Cardiac Catheterization Services
• Melissa Goldman - RN, Educator, Inservice Education – Nursing
• Cindy Mares - RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit
• Phillip Tran - Physician, Cardiology
• Bill Anders – RN, Education Coordinator, Inservice Education – Nursing
• William DePetro - Nuclear Med Technologist II, Nuclear Medicine

The colleagues who nominated the honorees wrote about their sincerity, gentleness, and compassion; offering a warm hug and listening ear after the loss of a patient or a loved one; going the extra mile for a patient or co-worker; and a true commitment to the education of their patients and coworkers.

“These are people who go above and beyond what compassionate care looks like,” says Heather Richards, HR Business Partner at Yavapai Regional. “Their true commitment to the well-being of their patients and colleagues is what drives them to make a difference every day. It’s also what creates a real sense of community here at Yavapai Regional.”

More than 100 people were nominated throughout Yavapai Regional Medical Center – an indication of the many extraordinary ways in which humankindness is shared in the lives of Yavapai Regional patients and coworkers.

For more information about Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, visit yrmc.org.

patient.

“Every knee is different and every person who requires knee replacement surgery is different,” says Anthony V. Torres, MD, FACP, president and CEO, Dignity Health YRMC. “This new robotic platform recognizes those differences and allows orthopedic surgeons to tailor the surgery with more precision. It is a tremendous step forward in total knee replacement with advanced technology.”

The VELYS TM Robotic-Assisted Solution technology is designed with an infrared camera and optical trackers to gather data about the patient’s knee. The surgeon utilizes real-time data input and controls the robotic device to remove damaged bone. The implant placement and fit is personalized to the patient’s specific anatomy.

Robotic-assisted knee replacements may offer patients less pain, improved range of motion, and a faster recovery—which typically means a quicker return to daily activities that were hampered by chronic joint issues.

“This level of surgical innovation changes lives,” says Dr. Torres. “It will offer numerous opportunities for people who have endured knee pain, some for a long time. Our team is delighted to make this procedure available in our communities and throughout Arizona.”

Launched at YRMC in December, the surgeries using this technology were performed at YRMC East in Prescott Valley.

(PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 28, 2023) - Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) are pleased to announce they have reached a new network agreement. This agreement is effective April 1, 2023, and therefore all services from that date will be handled as in network.

The goal was always to continue to provide patients and members with quality, convenient, and affordable health care in Yavapai County. Both organizations thank the community for their patience throughout the negotiations.

“After many months of negotiations, we are very pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has agreed to a new contract that will put our patients first and keep health care local,” says Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of Dignity Health YRMC and YRMG. “Providing local high-quality health care services is a top priority and we look forward to furthering our mission of improving the health of those who call Yavapai County home.”

“Standing up for our members has always been our priority, and we are thankful that Yavapai Regional Medical Center joined us in this effort,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Together, we can ensure those in Yavapai County have access to the care they need while protecting affordability.”

Patients and BCBSAZ members who have questions about the new agreement, can contact BCBSAZ or its affiliated health plan using the phone number on the back of their insurance card or reaching out to [email protected]. Patients and members can also call YRMC at 702-616-5786.

(PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 28, 2023) - Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) are pleased to announce they have reached a new network agreement. This agreement is effective April 1, 2023, and therefore all services from that date will be handled as in network.

The goal was always to continue to provide patients and members with quality, convenient, and affordable health care in Yavapai County. Both organizations thank the community for their patience throughout the negotiations.

“After many months of negotiations, we are very pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has agreed to a new contract that will put our patients first and keep health care local,” says Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of Dignity Health YRMC and YRMG. “Providing local high-quality health care services is a top priority and we look forward to furthering our mission of improving the health of those who call Yavapai County home.”

“Standing up for our members has always been our priority, and we are thankful that Yavapai Regional Medical Center joined us in this effort,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Together, we can ensure those in Yavapai County have access to the care they need while protecting affordability.”

Patients and BCBSAZ members who have questions about the new agreement, can contact BCBSAZ or its affiliated health plan using the phone number on the back of their insurance card or reaching out to [email protected]. Patients and members can also call YRMC at 702-616-5786.

A message from Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center

As the president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) as well as a longtime physician and resident of the Yavapai County community, I want to share an update on the negotiations between YRMC and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ). 

For many months, YRMC has been negotiating with BCBSAZ in an effort to protect access to health care services for thousands of patients. 

As a not-for-profit health care organization, we rely on reimbursement from health plans to sustain essential medical care and community benefits. Unfortunately, BCBSAZ has been unwilling to agree to a new contract that would put patients and our community first. 

We are disappointed that our efforts to engage in constructive, collaborative and transparent conversations with BCBSAZ to reach a fair and timely agreement have not been reciprocated. Our most recent offer made significant concessions and was well below our own inflation. BCBSAZ rejected it without even making a counter proposal. At this point, they don’t seem committed to reaching an agreement.

As a result, YRMC and BCBSAZ have not been able to come to a mutual agreement. Beginning February 8 at 5 p.m., YRMC is no longer considered part of the BCBSAZ network. Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) outpatient clinic services will remain in-network for patients who are members of BCBSAZ.

We know how important this is to our community. We committed to working around the clock to reach an agreement. Unfortunately, BCBSAZ has not shown that same urgency or commitment, or a willingness to compromise. As a result, costs will now be shifted by BCBSAZ to patients in the form of out-of-pocket costs and deductibles. Our patients and community deserve better.

Like many hospitals, our local hospital faces extreme financial challenges that are putting our services at risk. Because BCBSAZ was unwilling to come to an agreement, we are now facing a significant impact to the health of our community. In fact, this may:

• threaten our ability to continue providing essential care to patients in the coming years
• compromise our efforts to recruit and retain the nurses and doctors that care for our patients each day
• force Yavapai County residents to travel great distances to receive some forms of medical care
• limit our ability to expand community services, especially for those who are vulnerable

BCBSAZ recently attempted to publicly downplay the impact a contract termination would have on the community. At YRMC, we believe every patient matters and every patient should be financially protected by their health insurance plan. We do not underestimate our responsibility as the region’s high-quality health care provider and we believe in keeping care local.

YRMC has been providing health care in our community for nearly 80 years, and our patients are at the center of everything we do. This and the extraordinary close-knit community of Yavapai County are what drew me to move here in 2006. Since that time, I have made a commitment to be a faithful neighbor and doctor, putting our patients first. 

As a medical provider and a resident of this great community, I am extremely concerned about BCBSAZ’s lack of interest to collaborate so that we could come to a reasonable agreement for the sake of our patients. 

I recognize the inconvenience and stress this negotiation has caused for our patients with BCBSAZ coverage. Please know that it is our intent to continue our conversations with BCBSAZ and reach an agreement to make sure the health care services available in our community can continue for years to come. 

Have questions? Take action now.
Patients should contact BCBSAZ or its affiliated health plan directly by using the phone number listed on the back of their insurance card with any questions related to their specific coverage or regarding continuity of care. Patients can also call 702-616-5789. 

What does this mean for me and my family?
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m., YRMC is no longer considered part of the BCBSAZ network. However:

• YRMC will continue to treat all patients in need of emergency care through our hospitals’ emergency departments at in-network rates, regardless of network status. 
• Patients who are in active treatment or are scheduled for a test or procedure may be eligible to continue receiving care on an in-network basis and should call the BCBSAZ Customer Care number on the back of their BCBSAZ member ID card to request approval for continuity of care.
• Yavapai Regional Medical Group’s (YRMG) outpatient clinic services will remain in-network for patients with BCBSAZ.

Other important information:

• Frequently Asked Questions