Important Information for Patients with BCBST Health Insurance
Summit Medical Group is negotiating with BCBST for a new agreement to continue providing you and your loved ones with the high-quality care you deserve. These negotiations impact patients covered by BCBST commercial (ACA Marketplace and employer-sponsored) and Medicare Advantage health plans.
Our current agreement with BCBST expires at the end of the year. If a new agreement is not reached on or before January 1, 2025, Summit Medical Group will be out-of-network with BCBST. For now, nothing changes. You should continue to visit your Summit Medical Group providers as you normally would.
For close to two years, Summit has engaged in good-faith negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and while we have made progress recently, we have yet to reach an agreement. We continue to negotiate with BCBST in the hopes of having a new contract in place before disruption occurs.
From the beginning, Summit set out to be different. In a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by mega-systems and profit-driven consolidation, we chose a patient-first model rooted in independent, community-based care. Our providers are your neighbors, embedded in the towns and cities they serve, and committed to delivering the kind of personalized, relationship-driven care that is increasingly rare in today's healthcare environment.
This is not just about a contract. It is about protecting the future of independent medicine, and preserving access to trusted, high-quality care for the thousands of patients who rely on us every day.
We will continue to share updates on our negotiation progress over the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summit Medical Group still in-network with BCBST?
Yes. Summit Medical Group remains in-network with BCBST through December 31, 2025.
Why are negotiations happening now?
The current contract is set to expire at the end of this year. We are working to establish new terms that reflect the costs of delivering high-quality, independent care.
Should I keep my upcoming appointments?
Yes. There is no change to your care at this time. Patients should continue scheduling and attending appointments as usual.
What happens if no agreement is reached?
If a new agreement is not in place by January 1, 2026, Summit Medical Group would be out-of-network for BCBST commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.
How will I be notified if something changes?
We will post updates on this website and notify patients directly through mail and other communication channels, if needed.
What is Summit Medical Group asking for in these negotiations?
We are seeking fair, sustainable contract terms that allow us to continue providing quality care while maintaining our independence.
Is there anything patients should do now?
There is nothing you need to do at this time. We recommend staying informed, checking this site for updates, and continuing to receive care as normal.
What You Can Do to Help Protect Your
In-Network Access to Summit Medical Group
While we work toward a fair agreement with BCBST, there are steps you can take now to protect your access in 2026 and beyond:
- Call BCBST. Use the number on the back of your insurance card and tell them it's important that Summit Medical Group stays in-network for you and your family.
- Contact your broker. Ask about your options for selecting a plan that would maintain your in-network access to Summit Medical Group in 2026.
- Talk to your HR manager. If you receive insurance through your employer, let them know you want a plan that includes Summit Medical Group. Employers typically evaluate benefit options well in advance of open enrollment in October, so make sure your voice is heard.
