Wednesday, September 23, 2026
PHILADELPHIA (September 22, 2026) — Rothman Orthopaedics and Highmark have reached an agreement that ensures Rothman will remain in network with Highmark Blue Shield and Federal Employee Program (FEP) plans. The agreement follows productive discussions between the organizations focused on addressing outstanding concerns while ensuring patients continue to have access to the orthopedic care they need from the providers they know and trust.
“Throughout these discussions, our shared priority has been the patients and members we serve,” said Dan Tropeano, segment president of Highmark Blue Shield. “Working collaboratively, we were able to reach a resolution that maintains continuity of care, minimizes disruption, and supports continued access to high-quality, affordable orthopedic services across the region.”
As part of the agreement, Highmark has rescinded its previously issued termination notice, and Rothman physicians and services will remain in Highmark's Pennsylvania networks. While discussions regarding other aspects of the contractual relationship may continue, both organizations have agreed to maintain Rothman’s in-network participation, avoiding unnecessary disruption for patients and providing continuity of care for Highmark members.
“While our organizations had differing perspectives on certain issues, we remained committed to finding a path forward that put patients first,” said Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics and Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University. “We appreciate the efforts of both teams to work through those issues respectfully and reach an outcome that benefits the communities we serve.”
Patients currently receiving care from Rothman providers can continue to do so without changes to their in-network access. Additional information will be shared directly with patients as needed.
Highmark and Rothman have worked together for many years in support of the health and well-being of communities across Pennsylvania. This agreement reflects a mutual commitment to collaboration, accountability, and ensuring that patients continue to have access to coordinated, affordable, high-quality orthopedic care without interruption.
About Rothman Orthopaedics
Rothman Orthopaedics is a world-leader in the field of orthopedics, providing communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida with high-quality, compassionate, and affordable musculoskeletal care that is grounded in evidence-based medicine—the results of which will exceed expectations. Rothman Orthopaedics providers treat patients at 32 office locations and have surgical privileges at over 70 facilities. With experts in ten orthopedic specialties, including spine, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic oncology, trauma and fracture care, Rothman Orthopaedics is recognized for excellence in clinical treatment methods, research, education, and technology. Consistently recognized as national and regional “Top Docs,” Rothman Orthopaedics is proud to be the official team physicians for the Philadelphia Phillies as well as over 40 college and high school teams, including Drexel University and Villanova University. Center City District and the Philadelphia Marathon are among the more than 100 corporate and community organizations that Rothman partners with annually. For more information about Rothman Orthopaedics, please call (800) 321-9999 or visit www.RothmanOrtho.com.
About Highmark Blue Shield
Highmark Inc., doing business as Highmark Blue Shield – the only statewide Blues plan in Pennsylvania and with its affiliated Highmark Blue Plans collectively comprises the 3rd Iargest Blue Plan – protects Pennsylvania individuals and families with a range of high-quality, affordable and reliable health insurance solutions. As the only Blue Shield licensee in Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield has a long and successful history of delivering remarkable experiences in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Federal Employee Program. Highmark Blue Shield earned a Brand Excellence Award from the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, in recognition of its efforts in building brand strength and providing superior customer service, solid financial performance and enrollment growth. Highmark Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
For more information, contact
Denée Crumrine
Highmark Delaware
denee.crumrine@highmarkhealth.org
