ABOUT US
Physicians' Care Network is an independent physicians' association (IPA). In this role, the organization contracts with managed care organizations and health plans to arrange for the delivery of healthcare to patients by physicians who are members of Physicians' Care Network.
Our Mission Statement
"Physicians Care Network facilitates physician's delivery of excellent healthcare in a way that physicians and their patients find rewarding."
The IPA does not manage the physicians' practices, but the physicians agree to see patients under certain guidelines. This structure allows Physicians' Care Network physicians to provide the highest level of medical care while controlling health care costs.
We are able to achieve these goals through efficient business management and a commitment to preventive and primary care measures provided by our primary care physicians. This network offers patients access to some of the finest physicians in North Central Florida, providing excellence in care at every stage of life.
What we do:
Contracting with Managed Care Organizations and Health Plans
Physicians’ Care Networks negotiates with managed care organizations (MCOs) and health plans for fair and competitive contracts and supportive provider relations. By executing one contract with PCN and maintaining one credentials file, a PCN physician gains access to multiple contracts. And since the MCOs can execute one contract with PCN and gain access to the 650 credentialed physicians who participate in PCN, we are confident that we have fair and balanced contracts.
Our local staff works closely with contracted MCOs to ensure supportive provider relations. In the event there is a patient care issue or a claims payment issue, PCN will act as a liaison for our physicians.
We’ve included a list of MCO contracts we have negotiated for our members. For more information about these and other contracts in the negotiation process, contact the staff at Physicians' Care Network at (352) 371-9999.
Discounts on Services
We endeavor to use the purchasing power of the organization to negotiate discounts on services and supplies you use every day
Board of Directors
The Physicians’ Care Network Board of Directors is composed of physician members who are appointed by their peers. The role of the Board of Directors is to identify and address issues that are important to PCN members. If you are a member of PCN and have a concern, or if you are interested in membership, contact the PCN office or one of the board members listed below.
| Name | Practice Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Thomas, MD | Family Medicine | Bell |
| Angeli Akey, MD | Internal Medicine | Gainesville |
| Thomas Benton, MD, President | Pediatrics | Gainesville |
| Joseph Cauthen, MD | Neurosurgery | Gainesville |
| William Doyle, MD | Anesthesiology | Gainesville |
| Chris Grainger, MD | Family Practice | Ocala |
| Cherylle Hayes, MD | Radiology Oncology | Gainesville |
| Joseph Hildner, MD | Family Practice | Belleview |
| Calvin Martin, Jr., MD | Family Practice | Ocala |
| Henry Richter, MD | General Practice | Ocala |
| Elizabeth Sanders, DO | Family Practice | Gainesville |
Physicians’ Care Network Standing Committees
There are four Committees that report to the Board of Directors: Credentials, Contracts, Quality Assurance / Utilization Management, and Executive. If you are a member of PCN and want to serve on a Committee, contact PCN or the Committee Chair listed below.
Credentials Committee
The Credentials Committee is chaired by William Doyle, MD. The Credentials Committee is responsible for reviewing physician applications for admission into Physicians’ Care Network. It also oversees the re-credentialing for members, which occurs every three years. The Committee will review concerns raised by members such as quality assurance and performance requirements.
Contracts Committee
The Contracts Committee chair is currently open. The Contracts Committee has several important roles. First, it reviews contract opportunities, e.g. a physician request to join the IPA. The Contracts Committee assesses the needs of the network and makes appropriate recommendations. Second, the Contracts Committee reviews all contracting opportunities with managed care organizations, health plans, and vendors. Finally, in conjunction with the QA / UM Committee, this Committee develops allocation plans for surplus revenues garnered under MCO and vendor contracts.
Quality Assurance / Utilization Management
The QA / UM Committee chair is currently open.
The Committee takes a proactive approach to quality assurance by defining performance standards and developing tools physician practices can use to achieve these standards. For practices achieving a high level of performance, the Committee, in conjunction with the Contracts Committee, distributes surplus revenues from health plans. The Committee also addresses quality concerns raised by members.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is chaired by Board President, Tom Benton, MD. The Executive Committee is made up of the Chairs of the three other committees, plus the President of the Board. The Committee serves in an Ad-Hoc capacity, providing leadership and limited decision-making on items requiring immediate action.
Physicians’ Care Network Executive Committee Members
Thomas B. Benton, MD
Dr. Benton is one of the original members of Physicians’ Care Network, having signed on in 1993. He is the current President of the PCN Board of Directors. He studied medicine at the University of Florida and has been in private pediatric practice since 1988. In addition, he serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the UF College of Medicine Pediatrics Department. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. A few interesting things about Dr. Benton: he is certified as a chemist by the American Chemical Society, has studied the German language in Germany, and has served as an English instructor for Native Spanish Speakers. Dr. Benton chairs the Executive Committee.
William Doyle, MD
Dr. Doyle chairs the Credentials Committee.