News | February 16, 2005

Matrix Medical Network Signs Multi-Year Contract With Oxford Health Plans

Provide Dedicated Physician Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities - Offer Network of Skilled Nursing Facilities

Brooklyn, NY - Matrix Medical Network today announced a multi-year agreement to provide care services to Oxford Health Plan members who are in skilled nursing facilities in several counties in New York. Over the past 12 months, the company also worked with Oxford to further develop its network of sub-acute and skilled nursing facilities for its members and physicians to utilize.

"By following evidence-based guidelines, Matrix may help improve the consistency of care members receive in skilled nursing facilities while decreasing the need for re-hospitalizations," said Alan M. Muney, M.D., chief medical officer at Oxford Health Plans, LLC, A UnitedHealthcare Company. "Only in better coordinating care with members, their primary care physicians and specialists, and family members can we hope to achieve quality, cost-effective care."

Matrix's staff of physicians and nurse practitioners is specially trained in caring for individuals in skilled nursing facilities. They will work closely with Oxford's nurse case managers to help members receive appropriate care and direction as they transition from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities and eventually to their homes. Matrix physicians provide direct patient care, and coordinate consultations with specialists and members' primary care physicians. In addition, they work with families as they prepare to move members to their homes.

"By working collaboratively with the primary care physicians, the nursing facility staff and Oxford, we can strive to deliver the best possible care," said Marcia Naveh, M.D., F.A.C.P., medical director of Matrix. "By being on site, our doctors can help identify and address issues that may prevent re-hospitalizations."

About Oxford Health Plans
Founded in 1984, Oxford Health Plans, LLC, a UnitedHealthcare Company, provides health plans to employers and individuals primarily in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, through its direct sales force, independent insurance agents and brokers. Oxford's commercial insured products and services include traditional health maintenance organizations, preferred and exclusive provider organizations, point-of-service plans and consumer-directed health plans. The company also offers Medicare plans and third-party administration of employer-funded benefits plans. Oxford completed its merger with UnitedHealthcare in July 2004. More information about Oxford Health Plans is available at www.oxfordhealth.com.

About Matrix Medical Network
Matrix Medical Network is a physician practice developed to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to patients in the long-term care setting. Matrix employs physicians and nurse practitioners who are focused solely on the care of patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities. Members of the Matrix care team do not have office-based practices; their only priority is delivering the best possible care to patients by working with the facility, its administration, and staff. Matrix partners with managed care organizations, hospitals, and state Medicaid programs to improve the health status of long-term care patients.

Source: Matrix Medical Network