PACIFICARE/UHC MERGER:
Watch for memos from PREFERRED which will provide additional details, but here's the 30 second elevator version:

• California: UHC will be using the PacifiCare of California network. If you are a PacifiCare of CA provider, you can treat UHC patients after 6/23/06. If you are not a PacifiCare of CA provider, you will need to contract with ACN Group.
• All other states: UHC and PacifiCare will continue to function separately… for now. No word on if or when they will combine their business, and it will vary from market to market.

MULTIPLAN:
ValuePoint Discount Card - Last month, PREFERRED added the ValuePoint Discount Card product to our agreement with Multiplan. Patients with the discount card (which clearly indicates it is not insurance) pay you the full amount at the time of service, at your Multiplan discount rate of 20% off of billed charges. Providers have the option to accept or decline participation of this product. If you have questions or need an updated copy of the memo, contact PREFERRED via email at .

Exclusion letters - Many of you have received letters directly from Multiplan, asking you to remove certain exclusions from your agreement: 1) confirm how you are participating with Multiplan. If you are participating through PREFERRED, you may disregard the letter(s) 2) if you have questions about the exclusions, contact PREFERRED via email at .