BOISE – Regence BlueShield of Idaho has hired Melissa J. Christian as its new vice president of Provider Services in Idaho. Christian will lead the company’s efforts in enhancing its statewide provider networks and ensuring Regence’s networks offer health care services at an affordable price to our members. She has more than 20 years of experience in health care contracting and business development for medical enterprises ranging from small group practices to large multi-specialty organizations.
“Melissa’s experience in contract negotiations, practice management and online engagement will be great assets for our team in Idaho,” said Patti Laughren, vice president, Accountable Health Systems and Provider Innovation. “We look forward to having her lead our efforts in working with the Idaho provider community.”
Most recently, Christian was president of her own consulting firm, iHealthcare Consulting Services that worked with medical practices and hospitals on such issues as contract portfolio management and claims oversight. She also served as senior vice president of Caduceus Medical Group in Orange County, California and she led national contracting efforts for Cogent Healthcare.
“We’re fortunate to have Melissa join the Regence team,” said Scott Kreiling, president, Regence BlueShield of Idaho. “Her experience in provider contracting, electronic medical records integrations and claims management will be critical as we work to further implement health care reform in Idaho.”
Christian holds an Associate’s Degree in journalism from Long Beach City College and a Bachelor’s degree in communication from California State University, Fullerton. She resides in Meridian and enjoys volunteering and supporting community activities.
About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a leading health plan in Idaho with nearly 160,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a nonprofit mutual insurance company and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is affiliated with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceIdaho.