Boone Health to go independent on Thursday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Starting on Thursday, Boone Hospital Center will independent and leave the BJC HealthCare network.

Patients may receive a letter in the mail explaining the transition to an independent network.

Boone Health has been working with multiple insurance providers on the transition, with the intent to participate with patients and their plans by April 1.

Troy Greer, the Boone Health CEO said this transition won't affect the Boone brand or how it cares for patients.

"Nothing will change about the Boone brand or the way we care for our patients come April 1st, we still will be just as dedicated to keeping them safe getting them healthy and being committed to our mission," Greer said.

Boone Hospital signs were taken down Monday as new Boone Health signs were put up signifying the transition.

"Seeing the signs go up for the outside world may not be really huge in terms of potential significance but for us it's a huge cultural shift after 32 years to see different signs going onto the building," Greer said.

The plan is for this transition to strengthen the local economy.

Greer said Boone has already hired 74 new people to the team, which is worth slightly more than 6 million dollars in payroll.

"We are using local vendors to do a lot of the work that before might have gone to other communities," Greer said.

A news release from Boone Health said it will be 'prudent in the decision making to make sure of its long-term viability.'

So far, the hospital has several payer contracts to date and continues to have discussions with remaining payers about the transition.

All contacts with the hospital will also change starting on Thursday.