SIKESTON - Ferguson Medical Group has reached an agreement to become participating providers with the First National Health Network. First Heath is the network utilized by Missouri Consolidated for state employees and retirees in Southeast Missouri as well as for many county and local government agencies.
"While we have executed a contract, we will not be treated as in-network providers until First Health completes the credentialing process on each physician," said Kelley Rushing, chief executive officer from Ferguson.
"They have indicated to us that they expect the credentialing process to be complete by Oct. 1, 2002. However, in order to provide immediate access to our physicians, FMG will accept assignment on First Health claims and will adjust our charges as needed so that the patients end up with the equivalent of in-network benefits," he added.
Rushing called the agreement with First Health complex and added it took an extensive amount of time to complete. "Now that an agreement has been reached we are looking forward to providing the best possible medical care to the patients utilizing the First Health Network," he said.