March 11, 2022
 

Nashville, TN – Be on the lookout for a $15 check from TRPN Direct Pay (TPRN) along with a Provider Participation Agreement Amendment. A TMA member recently received one of these and reported it to the TMA Legal Department. If you cash the $15 check, the fine print states:

1. You agree to their terms for participating in the TRPN network;
2. You may NOT balance bill a TRPN patient; 
3. You must accept the plan’s payment.
4. A breach of the agreement results in liquidated damages;
5. The contract is for 36 months and automatically renews unless notice is provided six months prior to the renewal date.

It appears that TRPN is a silent PPO and sells its networks to other entities; therefore, you’ll be obligated to this reimbursement for any entity that accesses the TRPN network.

Based on research by the TMA Legal Department, it appears that TRPN may be out of compliance with Tennessee’s Silent PPO Law*.

1. It does not appear that TPRN Direct Pay is registered with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDOCI);
2. TPRN has not provided a list of all parties with access to the discounts provided by their agreement; and 
3. There is no website or toll-free number for a physician to obtain a list of all parties with access to the discounts.

If you receive this check and agreement, you may file a complaint with TDOCI by clicking here. Any questions should be directed to the TMA Legal Department at legal@tnmed.org or 615-460-1645.