TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA), the largest practice of board certified Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons and Allergists in the tristate area, and the only clinical team that offers its patients dedicated sub-specialty divisions in laryngology, otology/neuro-otology and sleep care, announced today that it has successfully reached separate third-party insurer agreements with Cigna and North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc. These new agreements, the former being an extension of a prior contract, and the latter being a new coverage opportunity, are effective July 15, 2015 and August 1, 2015 respectively. These agreements will ensure that Cigna and CareConnect members across the region will enjoy superior health benefits, at in-network rates, at ENTA's 41 state-of-the-art offices throughout New York and New Jersey.
ENTA was able to clearly demonstrate to these two insurers that its breadth of services and investment in technology have translated into improved care for each health plan's members. ENTA's portfolio of renowned clinical offerings includes, but is not limited to, endoscopy units with digital chip processors, video towers, state-of-the-art Electronic Health Records (EHR) that can load the payor formularies, and the largest hearing health center in the country. The Practice's cutting edge technology both enhances the patient experience and provides quicker diagnoses.
The Cigna and CareConnect agreements come on the heels of a number of other successful healthcare provider new deals or extensions that ENTA has completed or renegotiated in recent months. In total, the Practice maintains negotiated group contracts with over 20 different insurance companies, which in turn enables it to serve the needs of hundreds of thousands of deserving area patients.
"We are very pleased to have signed both a group contract extension with Cigna and a brand new agreement with CareConnect, both of which ensure coverage and continuity of care for our mutual patients with a fair and balanced cost effective delivery model that is locked in for the next several years," commented Robert Green, M.D., President of ENTA.
"It is our distinct pleasure to provide superb medical service, and we are extremely gratified that even more people in New York and New Jersey can now avail themselves of our services," added Robert A. Glazer, CEO of ENTA. "Like us, each of these insurers is invested in the health care continuum and each shares a goal of connecting consumer's insurance and wellness needs in order to make healthcare easier to access and navigate. In addition, their coverage of employer groups whose companies are located in the Metro New York area-plus Long Island and the Hudson Valley-creates enormous synergies with our office locations."
To learn more about the benefits of ENT and Allergy Associates, find the office near you or schedule an appointment, please visit www.entandallergy.com or call 1-855-ENTA-DOC.
About ENT & Allergy Associates, LLP
ENT and Allergy has nearly 175 physicians in 40+ office locations in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island and northern/central New Jersey. The practice sees over 70,000 patients per month. Each ENT and Allergy Associates clinical location provides access to a full complement of services, including General Adult and Pediatric ENT, Voice and Swallowing, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Disorders of the Inner Ear and Dizziness, Asthma, Clinical Immunology, Diagnostic Audiology, Hearing Aid dispensing, Sleep and CT Services. ENTA has a clinical alliance with The Mount Sinai Hospital for the treatment of diseases of the head and neck and esophageal cancer, a clinical alliance with the Montefiore Medical Center for the tertiary treatment of pediatric patients and a partnership with the American Cancer Society to educate and treat patients with smoking disorders and cancer. The Practice has also expanded its clinical capabilities to include advanced Immunodeficiency trials. ENT and Allergy Associates Management and Marketing teams have been recognized numerous times with awards and accolades including Health Leaders Media 2011 Top Leadership Team in Healthcare, Top Doctor awards, ACS recognition award, AHAA Audiologist awards, The Westchester County Association Big W Awards and the Healthcare Marketing Report Healthcare Advertising Awards. Visit www.entandallergy.comfor more information.
About Cigna:
Cigna (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and security. Cigna Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 47 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about Cigna, visit www.cigna.com.
About North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc.
The first provider-owned commercial health plan in New York State, CareConnect was created by North Shore-LIJ Health System to make it easy for people to get and stay healthy. Its innovative model is designed to provide access to care that's both excellent and affordable. CareConnect was founded in 2013 and offers a variety of plans for individuals, families and businesses. It is headquartered in East Hills, New York. For more information, visit www.careconnect.com.