WPCNR MEDIC. From UnitedHealthCare, Inc. October 27, 2004: UnitedHealthcare, Inc. announced today that it reached a new agreement with Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc., effectively immediately, enabling UnitedHealthcare’s customers to receive uninterrupted access to healthcare services at the following five Westchester County, N.Y., hospitals – Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Mount Vernon Hospital Center, Sound Shore Medical Center, St. John’s Riverside Hospital (Andrus Pavilion), St. John’s Riverside Hospital (ParkCare Pavilion) and Westchester Medical Center. 

No details of the agreement between the five hospitals and UnitedHealthcare, Inc. were released explaining what concessions were made by hospitals or the insurer.

 In addition, physicians with admitting privileges at these facilities will continue to provide services on an in-network basis.

"We are committed to working closely with hospitals to ensure that our customers have access to comprehensive, quality health services, while balancing the need to keep healthcare affordable," said Chuck Berg, who heads UnitedHealthcare's Tri-State operations.  "Through our collaborative effort, our members can continue to receive care from these Westchester hospitals."

“We all worked very hard to avoid disruptions to our patients and their families,” said John Spicer, president and chief executive officer at Sound Shore Health System.  “We believe the agreement with UnitedHealthcare is fair and equitable and will allow us to continue to provide our patients with the highest level of care available in the region.”