Amerigroup, a wholly owned subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., announced its Georgia health plan expanded its provider network with the addition of Central Georgia Health Network (CGHN), one of Georgia's largest physician-hospital organizations, effective Nov. 2013.

"We look forward to increased access to quality, affordable health care for our members in the central Georgia region," said Fran Gary, Amerigroup Georgia president. "Through our partnership with CGHN, Amerigroup members will have access to an extensive group of exceptional physicians in their communities."

CGHN is a clinically integrated network of physician partners and The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG). MCCG has more than 50 years of heart and vascular care, performing more than 690 open heart surgeries annually. It is one of six accredited Chest Pain Centers in Georgia, and one of four hospitals that is Joint Commission certified for its Ventricular Assist Device Program in the state.

"CGHN is excited about the opportunity to provide more options for our patients in the central Georgia region through our partnership with Amerigroup Georgia," said Steve Barry, CGHN chief executive officer.

The expanded provider service area includes Bibb, Monroe and Houston Counties. With this expansion, 19 providers were added to the Amerigroup Georgia network as well as more than 500 of Middle Georgia’s best physicians.