Highmark adds UPMC orthopedic surgeon and family practice physician to its Integrated Delivery System

PITTSBURGH, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark Inc. announced today that Dr. Victor R. Prisk, an orthopedic surgeon located in Peter's Township, and Dr. Michael Hahalyak, a family practice physician in Murrysville, have chosen to affiliate with its growing Integrated Delivery System. Both physicians were previously affiliated with UPMC. Dr. Prisk will begin working as a Highmark provider on Aug. 1 and Dr. Hahalyak will begin working as a Highmark provider on May 1.

"The mission of our Integrated Delivery System is to have a patient-centric and physician-led system with high levels of patient engagement," said John W. Paul, who leads Highmark's provider division. "By working with well-regarded, successful physicians such as Dr. Prisk and Dr. Hahalyak, we are able to fulfill this mission."

Dr. Prisk is an assistant professor and board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, dance medicine, and foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Prisk is fellowship trained from the Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. He has research interests and ongoing projects involving stem cell therapies, endocrinology of healing and biomechanics of ankle ligament reconstructions. 

Dr. Prisk applies to his practice his experiences as a gymnast, professional swing dancer and national champion bodybuilder. He serves on the GNC Medical Advisory Board, provides health care service for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and writes columns in magazines worldwide.

"Joining Highmark's Integrated Delivery System is the best option for my expanding practice as I share in its vision for better health care," said Dr. Victor Prisk. "I am looking forward to adding my expertise as an orthopedic surgeon to its growing system."

Dr. Hahalyak is a board certified family physician with 27 years of experience. He provides a full range of family practice services including, but not limited to, pediatric care, dermatology, gynecology and evaluation, and treatment of musculoskeletal issues. 

"I'm excited to join the Highmark team as Highmark and I share a vision for balanced, comprehensive health care for the Pittsburgh area," said Dr. Hahalyak.

Dr. Hahalyak received a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977 and his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981. Subsequently, he completed a family practice residency at Shadyside Hospital in 1984.

Highmark Inc.'s Integrated Delivery System was launched in June 2011. Its first action was to negotiate an affiliation agreement with the West Penn Allegheny Health System, which is currently under review. Highmark is committed to building a world-class delivery system that creates value for the community. Highmark's delivery system has several core components: to have a patient-centric and physician-led system with high levels of patient engagement; to deliver high-quality services to those in need of care; to align incentives and focus more resources on wellness and prevention; to focus on providing care in the most convenient and economical setting; to base the system on innovative research and advanced academics. 

This delivery system will provide differentiated services and experiences and improved health outcomes, while lowering costs for our health plan members and our patients. That means creating a vibrant network for independent community hospitals; an aligned network of physicians, both primary care and specialists; broader choice in health service; and more convenient access to innovative outpatient services.

About Highmark Inc.

Highmark Inc., based in Pittsburgh, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Highmark serves 4.9 million members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware through the company's health care benefits business and is one of the largest Blue plans in the nation. Highmark has 19,500 employees across the country. In June 2011, Highmark announced its affiliation with the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS), and its commitment to assuring that the health system stands as a high-quality choice for health care services to millions of Western Pennsylvanians. The affiliation is the first step in a broader Highmark strategy to develop alternative health care options that offer high-quality care at a lower price, with more coordinated and patient-driven delivery of medical care. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.