Executive Order on Vaccinations:  Gov. Murphy signed Executive Order No. 283 yesterday, requiring covered workers at health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including having received a booster dose. All covered workers will be required to be vaccinated by the dates set forth in the Order and will no longer be permitted to submit to testing as an alternative to vaccination, except for the purposes of providing an accommodation for individuals exempt from vaccination as set forth in the covered setting’s vaccination policy. According to the Governor’s office, the new requirement aims to strengthen protection against the spread of COVID-19 and the highly transmissible Omicron variant to vulnerable populations. Read More>

To Whom it May Concern,

An important issue has impacted the State of NJ Urgent Care Community. In Sept/Oct 2021 Horizon BS/BC of NJ sent out a letter to all Urgent Care Centers unilaterally changing their reimbursement structure for those centers that were globally reimbursed.  It will be effective January 1, 2022 for those who have agreed to and signed an amendment by Nov. 1^st, 2022. No input was sought by the Urgent Care Industry and how this was going to impact on the viability of these centers.

The new reimbursement was based on a 3 tier process. Tier 1 pays 40% of the global rate, Tier 2 pays 80% of the global rate and Tier 3 pays 100% of the global rate.  This impending unilateral rate cut up to 60% will have a significant impact on all Urgent Care Centers, potentially forcing the closure of some centers in the state.  This appears unfair to have been implemented without participating groups input on the effect of this new reimbursement program. The notification period was very brief in that the industry had 30 to 60 days to sign.

The current options given to Urgent Care Centers by Horizon are accept the rate cut or go out of network.  Horizon BC/BS insures up to 50% of patients at most Urgent Care Centers.

We are an organization that has filled a very significant void during the 4 stages of this Covid-19 Pandemic.  We have adapted to and operated under: 1) a declared State of Emergency, 2) Executive Orders from our Governors, and 3) changing guidelines from the CDC, State DOH and OSHA.

While many private practices and clinics closed, the Urgent Care Centers remained open.  When patients refused to go to Hospital Emergency Departments because of fear of contracting Covid-19, (ED volumes dropped by 50%) the Urgent Care Centers expanded staffing and hours to absorb the additional volume which is some cases exceeded a 300+% surge. Now with the addition of community mandates, the coming Flu season and current increase of RSV infections these will further confuse the public concerns.  We are here to provide the answers.

The Urgent Care Centers have provided Community and State support at a significant expense. The impact of a major BC/BS plan enacting these cuts also raises concern for other states.  Please watch UCA Access for future communications regarding this important issue.

Sincerely,

Anthony R. Ruvo, MD FACEP

President, NERUCA

Member Board of Directors, NERUCA

Dear New Jersey Members, the NJDOH has engaged UCA/NERUCA to enable NJ Urgent Care centers to be a part of the COVID-19 Vaccination program. While we are actively trying to address reimbursement issues, it is important for your center(s) to get the application to NJDOH ASAP if you have interest in participating. Please click here to apply to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program in New Jersey.