Premera Update
Updated Sept. 1, 2022
Members of Premera can expect an updated notice soon with additional clarity regarding Sound Physicians being out-of-network, and how the No Surprises Act prevents members from paying more than they would for an in-network provider for emergency services.
When Sound Physicians begins providing emergency medicine physician services in October, patients will receive two bills: A facility and services bill from Olympic Medical Center, and a professional (provider) bill from Sound Physicians. This billing practice is common in health care, and one OMC patients experience already if they have had a diagnostic imaging procedure or a surgery utilizing anesthesia.
Olympic Medical Center and Olympic Medical Physicians continue to be in-network. Again, regardless if Sound Physicians is in-network, Sound Physicians is required by law to accept the average rate paid by Premera and other out-of-network insurances for emergency services. Sound Physicians cannot bill a patient an amount more than their in-network cost share. Out-of-pocket costs for Premera members will not be impacted.