Horizon NJ Health Honors 15 Doctors for Improving the Quality of Health Care to Members in the Community

(West Trenton, NJ — January 24, 2006) — Horizon NJ Health, the state's largest managed health care company serving the publicly insured, recently honored 15 of its northern area physicians who have helped to make a difference in the lives of the company's members and their families. By establishing this initiative, Horizon NJ Health takes the lead for developing a program that acknowledges a shared commitment to members and to those who help support the company's mission for expanding access and enhancing the quality of health care.

"We are proud to honor these providers who demonstrate, through their quality of care, a record of service, disease management and prevention for their patients - our members," noted Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health. "Their practices in the communities have shown that education and communication help to improve access to care and the health of their patients. Patients identify with providers who understand and respect their values."

Physician honorees:
BERGEN County:

• Saeed Abbassi, MD (Pediatrician) North Bergen, NJ

ESSEX County:

• Marc Roberts, MD (Pediatrician) and Luis Garay, MD (Pediatrician) Newark, NJ
• Thomas Francis, DO, (Internal Medicine and Pediatrics), Newark, NJ
• Guy Delisfort, MD (Pediatrician) in Newark, NJ
• Thomas Ortiz, MD (Family Practice) in Newark, NJ

HUDSON County:

• Rodrigo Castillo, MD and Elma Castillo, MD (Pediatricians) West NY
• Jose Fragoso, MD (Pediatrician) Union City, NJ
• Jeffrey Bourne, MD (Pediatrician) in West New York, NJ

MIDDLESEX County:

• Margarita Benites, MD, (Pediatrician) in Perth Amboy, NJ

PASSAIC County:

• Robert La Morgese, MD (Internal Medicine), Passaic, NJ
• Raul Almanzar, MD and Antonio Camilio, MD (Pediatricians) Passaic, NJ

UNION County:

• Sebika Basu, MD, (Pediatrician) Plainfield, NJ

"We looked at many factors, including length of service, rates of immunizations and well visits, lead screening, access to patients, etc. This was no easy task, since we collected data on our more than 9,000 doctors," commented Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, Horizon NJ Health Chief Medical Officer and physician certified in internal medicine. "We hope to honor more physicians in the future."

As part of the program, Horizon NJ Health hosted a Provider Recognition Dinner in Newark and is planning to continue the program over the coming months, recognizing selected providers who serve members in southern New Jersey.

CONTACT: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Thomas Rubino, 973-466-8755
Thomas_Rubino@horizonblue.com