ST. LOUIS – December 12, 2006 – Des Peres Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital announced today that they have entered into a new two-year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The contract is in place through December 2008. Financial terms were not disclosed. A separate two-year agreement was reached with HealthLink.

Under the agreement, members of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s managed care plans will have access to health care services offered at both Des Peres Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital. The hospitals have been working with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to reach a new agreement following an announcement in late August 2006 that they would terminate their contract with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at the end of the year.  

“We are pleased to reach a successful conclusion to these negotiations,” said Crystal L. Haynes, chief executive officer at Saint Louis University Hospital. “The new agreement means that we can continue providing services to our patients who are covered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HealthLink without risking the financial health of the hospital.”

“This is a significant accomplishment since our patients covered by these plans will not experience an interruption of their care,” said Michele C. Meyer, chief executive officer at Des Peres Hospital. “We welcome the opportunity to continue working with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide quality care for their members.”

“I am happy to announce that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Saint Louis University Hospital and Des Peres Hospital have reached agreement on a new two-year agreement, which includes incentives for improving the quality of care our members receive. I’m pleased that we have been able to meet the needs of our clients and members while addressing the needs of Saint Louis University and Des Peres Hospital. These hospitals are a valued part of our networks, and their participation is important to our members,” said Ruth Meyer Hollenback, vice president, health services, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

About Des Peres Hospital
Des Peres Hospital, part of Tenet Missouri, is a 167-bed community hospital located at 2345 Dougherty Ferry Road, at the intersection of I-270 and Dougherty Ferry Road in St. Louis. Des Peres Hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of St. Louis County for more than 30 years. The hospital provides quality medical and surgical care through a wide variety of services and program including senior care, heart care, orthopedics and emergency care. In 2005, Des Peres Hospital was ranked No. 1 in St. Louis for Overall Orthopedic Services by HealthGrades, a health care quality ratings company. Des Peres Hospital is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. To learn more about Des Peres Hospital, visit www.despereshospital.com.

About Saint Louis University Hospital
Saint Louis University Hospital, part of Tenet Missouri, is a 356-bed academic teaching hospital located at 3635 Vista Avenue in St. Louis. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the St. Louis community for more than 70 years. Saint Louis University Hospital is a regional leader in providing tertiary-quaternary health care and has one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programs in the Midwest. The hospital is also a certified Level I Trauma Center in both Missouri and Illinois. Other specialties include geriatrics, orthopedics, rheumatology, urology, heart care and digestive diseases. Saint Louis University Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Louis University Hospital, visit www.sluhospital.com.  

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