Mount Sinai and Anthem Blue Cross Dispute: What OptiSkin Patients Need to Know

Recent news has highlighted a major change in the New York healthcare landscape.

Mount Sinai Health System and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield were unable to reach a contract agreement, resulting in Mount Sinai hospitals and physicians leaving the Anthem insurance network.

Because of this change, many patients across New York have received notices stating that their physicians may no longer be in-network with Anthem.

For patients of Dr. Orit Markowitz and OptiSkin Medical, we want to clarify an important point.

Dr. Markowitz Continues to Accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Despite the Mount Sinai network change:

Dr. Orit Markowitz continues to accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Empire BCBS insurance at OptiSkin.

Patients with these plans can continue to schedule appointments at our Manhattan dermatology practice.

Why Some Patients Received Incorrect Insurance Notices

Because Dr. Markowitz was historically affiliated with Mount Sinai, some insurance directories automatically flagged physicians associated with Mount Sinai as out-of-network.

However:

Dr. Markowitz is now affiliated with Columbia University.

This affiliation allows her to continue accepting Anthem / Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans.

If you received a notice from Anthem suggesting your dermatologist may no longer be covered, it may not apply to OptiSkin.

Dermatology Services Available to Anthem Patients

Patients with Anthem or Empire BCBS insurance can visit OptiSkin for:

• Comprehensive skin cancer screenings
• Mole checks and melanoma surveillance
• Acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis treatment
• Cosmetic dermatology treatments
• Laser treatments and skin rejuvenation
• Advanced dermoscopy and skin imaging

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dr. Orit Markowitz accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Yes. Dr. Orit Markowitz continues to accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Empire BCBS insurance at OptiSkin Medical in Manhattan.

Why did Anthem send me a notice saying my doctor is out of network?

Because Mount Sinai Health System recently left the Anthem insurance network, some physicians previously affiliated with Mount Sinai were automatically flagged in insurance directories.

Dr. Markowitz is now affiliated with Columbia University and continues to accept Anthem / Empire BCBS plans.

Can Anthem patients still see Dr. Markowitz?

Yes. Patients with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield or Empire BCBS insurance can still schedule appointments at OptiSkin.

What dermatology services are available to Anthem patients?

Anthem patients can visit OptiSkin for skin cancer screenings, mole checks, medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology procedures, laser treatments, and advanced skin imaging.