Anthem, United Digestive Pact Secures GI Care for Georgians

ATLANTA, GA – January 12, 2026 – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and United Digestive have finalized a new multi-year provider network agreement, a move that ensures continuity of care for thousands of Anthem members across Georgia. The deal keeps United Digestive, a dominant force in the state's gastroenterology market, firmly in-network, preventing potential disruptions and cost increases for patients seeking specialized digestive healthcare.

Stability for Patients in a Challenging Market

For Anthem members in Georgia, the agreement provides immediate relief and stability. Retaining in-network access to United Digestive’s extensive network of clinics and specialists means patients can continue their care without facing the steep out-of-pocket costs typically associated with out-of-network providers. In-network status locks in lower, pre-negotiated rates for services, limiting patient responsibility to standard copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

This stability is particularly significant given the current healthcare landscape in Georgia. The state contends with a supply of gastroenterology physicians that is below the national average, at 3.8 per 100,000 people compared to the U.S. rate of 4.7. This shortage can lead to longer wait times and access challenges, especially in rural areas where the concentration of specialists has been decreasing.

United Digestive represents a substantial portion of the state's GI services, employing approximately 36% of all gastroenterology providers in the competitive Atlanta market. The company supports over 60 clinics and 22 ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the Southeast. Securing access to such a major provider group is a critical win for patients covered by Anthem, which stands as Georgia’s largest health insurer.

"We are pleased to continue our valued partnership with United Digestive for quality, comprehensive digestive healthcare services for our patients," said Robert Bunch, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, in a statement. He emphasized the provider's focus on "critical gastrointestinal health leading to better health outcomes."

A Model for Collaborative Healthcare

The agreement between Anthem and United Digestive is more than a standard network contract; it reflects a growing industry trend toward deeper, more strategic collaborations between insurers and large provider groups. These partnerships aim to move beyond transactional relationships to create integrated systems that improve patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, and control spiraling healthcare costs.

A key component of this enhanced partnership is a shared focus on digital integration. The two organizations plan to enhance their digital connectivity to streamline administrative processes, such as authorizations and billing. For patients, this could translate into a smoother, less burdensome healthcare experience. For providers and the insurer, it promises to reduce administrative waste and facilitate more efficient, patient-centered care.

This model, where payers and providers align on technology and care delivery goals, is seen by many industry analysts as the future of healthcare. By working together to manage patient populations and invest in preventative care, such partnerships can shift the focus from treating sickness to maintaining wellness, a core tenet of value-based care. While this specific deal doesn't explicitly mention a value-based payment structure, its emphasis on "improved health outcomes and cost efficiencies" strongly points toward these principles.

Innovation in Cancer Prevention and Digestive Health

At the heart of the collaboration is United Digestive's stated commitment to clinical innovation. The physician practice management company has highlighted its significant investments in technology aimed at delivering state-of-the-art care, with a particular focus on improving the prevention of colorectal cancer.

According to the company, it is leveraging algorithms and real-time data across a sophisticated platform to identify at-risk patients and improve screening adherence. This data-driven approach to preventative medicine is critical in a field where early detection can dramatically improve survival rates and lower long-term treatment costs.

"This enhanced partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reinforces our mutual commitment to delivering exceptional digestive healthcare," stated Dr. Neal C. Patel, CEO of United Digestive. "By combining advanced clinical innovation with improved care coordination, we are creating a stronger, more efficient healthcare experience for the patients and communities we serve."

The quality of United Digestive's network is underscored by recent accolades. Several of its partner practices and ambulatory surgery centers have been ranked among the best in Georgia and the nation, suggesting that its model of supporting physicians with advanced infrastructure and operational insights is yielding high-quality results. This reputation for excellence provides a strong foundation for a partnership aimed at elevating the standard of care for Anthem members.

Strategic Implications for Regional Healthcare

The multi-year agreement solidifies United Digestive's formidable position in the Southeast and aligns with its rapid growth strategy. Since its formation in 2018, the private equity-backed organization has expanded its footprint to include over 300 providers across Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. By securing its relationship with Georgia's largest insurer, United Digestive ensures a stable patient base and revenue stream in one of its most critical markets.

This type of large-scale agreement also has broader implications for the regional healthcare market. It demonstrates the power and influence of large, consolidated provider groups in negotiating with major payers. While these partnerships can drive efficiency and innovation, they also contribute to market concentration. This can create a more challenging environment for smaller, independent practices to compete, potentially limiting patient choice over the long term.

Nonetheless, the immediate outcome is one of increased certainty for a large segment of Georgia's population. The collaboration promises to leverage the scale and resources of both Anthem and United Digestive to tackle complex health challenges, enhance the patient experience through technology, and work toward the shared goal of providing higher quality, more cost-effective digestive healthcare.