Coventry recently completed the acquisition of First Health. Read more on this at Insurance News Net. PREFERRED will stay up to date on any developments that may affect your relationship with First Health through ourand keep you informed.

Effective December 22, 2004 First Health Priority Services (FHPS) has expanded development into Pennsylvania.

Effective April 1, 2005 Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is a new FHPS client inthe following states:, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.

Evaluating Health Plan Agreements

Each month in 2005, we are asking network members to visit our Web site and complete a questionnaire on a selected health plan. Responses will be collected on the last day of each month. Data gathered will be used internally to help PREFERRED evaluate existing health plan relationships.

You may also download a copy of the form for internal use within your clinic to evaluate other agreements.

During the month of March, we are requesting input on ppoNext. Head on over to the Member Center at and fill out the short Payor Report Card.