PARKERSBURG — Highmark Inc. will assist local primary care physicians by advancing payments made through the True Performance reimbursement program, the company announced.

Reimbursement payments would have been made in June, but distribution began last week as many physician practices are being financially affected by stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 related issues.

The True Performance initiative is among the largest risk- and value-based reimbursement programs for primary care doctors in the country and rewards them for meeting quality measures and for focusing on prevention and wellness initiatives for Highmark members in their care.

“They help to coordinate and better manage care for our members with chronic conditions, and help ensure that members are staying healthy by receiving services like appropriate screenings and vaccinations,” Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Inc.

More than 1,700 Primary Care Practices or associated entities in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware will receive the advanced payments based on achievement in the True Performance program. According to Highmark, more than $30 million in advanced payments will be made during this extremely challenging time.

Over the last three years, Highmark’s claims data shows that True Performance providers have helped to avoid more than $1.5 billion in health care costs – which has already been passed back to our clients and members through reduced annual benefit cost increases.

“At this time when we are rightly focused on caring for COVID-19 patients, we also recognize the need for PCPs to continue to care for all of our members,” said Rice-Johnson.

“Advancing True Performance reimbursement payments will help ensure that they can.”