::The situation
CMCI is an internationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology. The founder of the group, John Simpson MD Ph.D. has received the Andreas Gruntzig Award from the European Cardiology Society for key developments in the invention of angioplasty and the Lifetime Achievement Award from TCT for development of rotational atherectomy and percutaneous wound closure devices.
Yet, despite the notoriety and remarkable clinical acumen for this cardiology group, the managed care wars of California have reduced reimbursement to dangerous levels and reduced the ability of referring cardiologists and PCPs to make referrals to this stellar group.

::Corona Consulting solutions
* Over a two year period, developed and implemented a comprehensive practice improvement plan
* Developed general marketing material and direct mail program to referring physicians to increase referrals
* Reviewed and renegotiated key managed care contracts and relationships
* Developed strategic alliance with Stanford University Medical Center
* Opened new office at Stanford, developing new patient and sources
* Developed live-demonstration program with Stanford to spotlight key intervention techniques
* Revised key managed care contracts

::The situation
CIGNA wished to expand its provider network in Northern California to offer a premier PPO product that would match their excellent HMO product. The network development staff at CIGNA was busy improving and expanding the HMO network. Corona Consulting was engaged to expand the complementary PPO provider network, especially in rural areas.

::Results that work
In the short course of six months, Corona Consulting worked in coordination with CIGNA to expand the delivery network for the Northern California region. Documents were prepared, physicians and hospitals were targeted for contracting. Fifteen new hospitals were added to the network and over 2000 physicians were placed under contract. When added to CIGNA existing PPO network, these strategic additions based on market demand created one of the strongest PPO networks in Northern California.