Protect Oregonian's Access to OHSU - Portland Mercury

Reports indicate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon patients may lose in-network access to OHSU. OHSU is Oregon’s primary academic medical center providing specialized expertise that is difficult or impossible to replicate elsewhere in the state. Medically complex patients often need advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary coordination, and subspecialty services that may not be available through typical community systems. Losing in-network access could cause financial hardship, disrupt established care teams, delay treatment, and increase costs. Patients who have spent years building care relationships and obtaining referrals could face reduced continuity of care and limited realistic alternatives for managing complex conditions.

"I am writing as a patient who depends on access to highly specialized medical care available through OHSU.I am deeply concerned about reports that patients insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon may lose in-network access to OHSU. For many Oregonians, this is not simply a matter of choosing between hospitals. OHSU serves as Oregon's primary academic medical center and provides specialized expertise that often cannot be replicated elsewhere in the state."

"As a medically complex patient, I rely on physicians and specialists who have experience managing conditions that require advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary coordination, and subspecialty expertise. Losing in-network access could result in significant financial hardship, disruption of established care, delays in treatment, and reduced access to providers uniquely qualified to manage complex cases."

"My own care requires coordination among multiple specialists. OHSU provides expertise that is difficult or impossible to replicate elsewhere in Oregon. The possibility of losing in-network access creates uncertainty not only for me, but for many patients whose medical needs exceed what a typical community healthcare system can provide."

"Patients with complex medical conditions often spend years building care teams and obtaining referrals to the specialists best equipped to manage their conditions. Losing in-network access to OHSU would not simply create inconvenience. It could disrupt continuity of care, delay treatment, increase costs, and leave some patients without realistic alternatives."

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