April 14, 2005 - UnitedHealthcare® has changed the way they reimburse claims for non-participating physicians and hospitals. The change was outlined in a letter addressed to all non-participating providers dated March 2005.

In the future, the company will provide direct claim payments only to participating physicians. Non-participating physicians must seek payment from patient enrollees, who will receive reimbursement directly from UnitedHealthcare®.

UnitedHealthcare's pitch to increase physician participation is stated in the letter:

"You can avoid the cost of collecting patient receivables and be eligible for timely, direct claim payments from UnitedHealthcare® by becoming a participating physician now."