Missouri-based system to sever contract with UnitedHealthcare

Kansas City, MO-based St. Luke's Health System has announced that it intends to terminate its contract with UnitedHealthcare on Feb. 28, 2009. The flap between St. Luke's and UnitedHealthcare is the latest example of contentious relations between health providers and insurers nationwide. Tensions between the two camps have escalated in amid growing concerns over higher healthcare costs and standards for quality and efficiency.