Fallon Clinic Joins Aetna's Network in Central Massachusetts

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    WORCESTER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2005--Effective immediately Fallon Clinic, the largest private multi-specialty group practice in central Massachusetts, will participate in Aetna's (NYSE: AET) network of physicians. Under the terms of the agreement, members enrolled in Aetna's HMO, PPO, point-of-service and Aetna Healthfund benefit plans may receive covered medical services from Fallon Clinic's more than 240 physicians at in-network rates. Aetna encourages its members to use network physicians to reduce out-of-pocket spending and maximize their health benefit dollars. Nearly 66,000 individuals receive health benefits through Aetna in Central Massachusetts.
    "The relationship with Aetna is an important part of our effort to expand our multi-payor network and establish Fallon Clinic as the Gold standard in health care," said Dr. Baltej S. Maini, president and CEO of Fallon Clinic. "Adding Aetna to the list of health plans with which we participate exemplifies our continued commitment to treating our patients like treasured customers and enabling them to keep their physician regardless of insurance coverage."
    "With our customer and membership base continuing to expand throughout Massachusetts and New England, the addition of Fallon Clinic was a key component of our network strategy in the state," explained Charles Peck, regional president for Aetna's Northeast region. "Fallon Clinic shares our commitment to demonstrable quality and superior member service, and we are delighted to offer our members a greater choice of physicians while maintaining access at an affordable price."

    About Aetna

    As one of the nation's leading providers of health care, dental, pharmacy, group life, disability and long-term care benefits, Aetna puts information and helpful resources to work for its approximately 13.6 million medical members, 11.6 million dental members, 8.3 million pharmacy members and 13.3 million group insurance members to help them make better informed decisions about their health care and protect their finances against health-related risks. Aetna provides easy access to cost-effective health care through a nationwide network of more than 646,000 health care professionals, including over 385,000 primary care and specialist doctors and 3,908 hospitals. For more information, please visit www.aetna.com. (Figures as of September 30, 2004)

    About Fallon Clinic

    Founded in 1929 by Dr. John Fallon and a team of local physicians, Fallon Clinic was central Massachusetts' first group practice, marking a fundamental shift in the delivery of patient care. As one of the most dynamic and progressive healthcare organizations in the country today, Fallon Clinic continues to challenge convention and transform patient care paradigms and has set out to establish a new "gold standard" in patient care.
    With 240 physicians practicing in 26 locations staffed by more than 1,700 employees, Fallon Clinic provides comprehensive care for more than one million patient visits a year, and is the largest private, multi-specialty group in central Massachusetts. Nationally recognized as a leader in healthcare quality, Fallon Clinic is currently implementing key initiatives and technologies that ensure patients receive both the finest medical care and the highest levels of access and service.

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CONTACT: For Fallon Clinic Karin Laviano, 617-332-9999, x241 klaviano@ariamarketing.com or Aetna Wendy Morphew, 914-251-8624 morphewWS@aetna.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: INSURANCE MEDICAL MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Fallon Clinic

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