As of December 1, 2026, South Denver GI will no longer be in-network with UnitedHealthcare. Our contract will end on this date at which time you will be out-of-network. Any visit prior to this date is not impacted.
Why is this happening?
South Denver GI has provided high-quality, comprehensive GI care for over 53 years. For the last 18 years, we have been operating under the same UnitedHealthcare contract and, despite ongoing attempts over the last 3 years, we have been unable to secure a reasonable contract.
If I have a health plan through UnitedHealthcare, what does this mean for my care at South Denver GI?
We want to continue to treat you. If we are out-of-network after December 1, this does not mean we will not be caring for you. Our team at South Denver GI is here to assist you regarding amounts you may owe and we may be reached at 303-788-8888 select option 2 or 3.
We also recommend checking your benefits regarding your out-of-network coverage. Consider contacting UnitedHealthcare directly on the number listed on your insurance card.
What does out-of-network mean?
This means that there is no contract between UnitedHealthcare and South Denver GI. It’s possible, but not certain, that you will have higher out-of-pocket costs (a larger share of the total bill) when getting care at South Denver GI. We are not increasing or changing our fees.
How long will this last?
We hope to eventually sign a new, more equitable contract with UnitedHealthcare, but we cannot provide a specific date at this time.
Will my endoscopy be impacted by this?
When you have an endoscopy procedure like a colonoscopy, there are several types of fees associated with the procedure. The first fee is the facility fee, which is generally the higher of the fees. This covers the endoscopy center costs like nursing, equipment, etc. The facility fee will not be impacted by the current dispute. The professional fees, which may include pathology and anesthesia fees, are separate fees that cover the costs for the clinicians involved in your care and this will be impacted. South Denver GI going out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare will only impact the clinician fees charged for an endoscopy, not the facility fee.
Will I be charged a facility fee for routine clinic visits?
As a private practice, South Denver GI does not charge an additional facility fee for clinic visits. Larger health systems like Advent Health or University of Colorado may charge these fees. Because we do not charge a facility fee for clinic visits, we must pay for staff, office equipment and office space solely through the amount our doctors and advanced practice providers are paid to see patients.
How can I protect myself from getting surprise medical bills?
Starting in 2022, there are new protections for patients that prevent surprise medical bills. The No Surprises Act bans the most common types of surprise bills.
Please visit this website for more information.
We apologize for any inconvenience this causes you. Our dedicated team is available to help you understand how your care costs may change when South Denver GI goes out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare. We can be reached at 303-788-8888; select option 2 or 3.