About Us
Highlands Physicians was formed in 1993 with an initial membership of 325 physicians and has grown to our current membership of over 1,700 members. HPI prides itself on attracting the highest quality physicians, who are dedicated to providing the best and most cost-effective patient care. Our members are concentrated in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia encompassing approximately 9,884 square miles. Highlands Physicians aspires to be known as an Independent Physician Association that is committed to offering the highest QUALITY patient care and to be the provider of choice to all purchasers of healthcare services in the region.
Mission Statement
At Highlands Physicians, our mission is to empower physicians with the freedom to practice medicine autonomously while fostering a collaborative and supportive network. We facilitate shared knowledge, resources, and best practices, enabling our physicians to provide high-quality patient-centered care. Through negotiated contracts, resource sharing, and continuous professional development, we help to reduce administrative burdens, enhance clinical expertise, and optimize patient outcomes. Our focus on risk sharing and comprehensive support creates a nurturing community where physicians thrive, ensuring exceptional healthcare services for our patients.
Vision Statement
At Highlands Physicians, our vision is to be the leading Independent Physician Association for physician autonomy and collaborative healthcare excellence. HPI gives physicians within our network the tools to innovate, collaborate, and provide unparalleled patient-centered care. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, resource sharing, and supportive community, we strive to set new standards in healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. Our vision is to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem where physicians flourish, patients receive outstanding care, and the community benefits from healthier lives and enhanced well-being.
Why Become a Member of HPI?
Highlands Physicians, Inc. offers a balance between independence and collaboration, providing physicians with the support they need to deliver high-quality care while maintaining their professional autonomy.
HPI allows physicians to maintain their independence while providing a supportive network.
HPI facilitates collaboration among physicians and healthcare providers. This collaboration can improve patient care through shared knowledge, resources, and best practices.
HPI can bring together economies of scale to negotiate contracts and reimbursement rates with insurance companies and payers on behalf of their member physicians.
HPI provides shared resources such as administrative staff, billing services, and technological infrastructure. This can reduce the administrative burden on individual physicians, allowing them to focus more on patient care. We offer support services and staff for your value-based care programs.
Many IPAs have quality improvement initiatives and programs in place. These programs can help physicians enhance the quality of care they provide to patients and stay updated with the latest medical guidelines and best practices. Highland’s Physicians partners with critical stakeholders to address social determinant issues. This allows our physician members and healthcare professionals to confidently focus on making clinical decisions, knowing they have enhanced social support.
Being part of an IPA provides access to a network of specialists and other healthcare professionals. This can facilitate easier and more streamlined referrals for your patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive care.
IPAs often offer opportunities for professional development, including continuing medical education (CME) programs, workshops, and seminars. This allows physicians to stay current with advancements in their field.
HPI emphasizes patient-centered care, focusing on the overall well-being of patients and whole-person care.
HPI offers risk-based arrangements where physicians share financial risks and rewards based on the quality and cost-effectiveness of care provided. This model encourages a focus on preventive care and better management of chronic conditions.
Being part of HPI creates a sense of community among physicians. Sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions with peers can be professionally enriching and provide an environment of transparency and safety.
Membership Information Packet
Discover everything you need to know about Highlands Physicians in our Membership Information Packet, your complete guide to our network, services, and offerings. Whether you’re looking to enhance patient care, streamline operations, or maximize revenue, our Independent Physicians Association (IPA) provides tailored solutions for independent practices like yours.
Inside this packet, you'll find:
- Detailed descriptions of our network, including participating providers and specialties.
- A full spectrum of services offered, from administrative support to patient engagement tools.
- Information on benefits and resources available exclusively to IPA members.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to join our association and start benefiting from our collective strength.
Join us and discover how Highlands Physicians can empower your practice to thrive in today's healthcare landscape.
Physician Leadership
Nelson Gwaltney, M.D.
President & CEO
Anthony Seaton, M.D.
Vice President
Donny Reeves, M.D.
Secretary
Committees
Board of Directors
Nelson Gwaltney, M.D.
President
Anthony Seaton, M.D. – Vice President
Donny Reeves, M.D. – Treasurer
Arthur Belanger, D.P.M.
Phillip Claybrook, M.D.
Scott Fowler, M.D.
Jeffrey France, M.D.
John Green, M.D.
Alfred Harkleroad, MD
Randy Hoover, M.D.
Kenneth Hopland, M.D.
Samantha Ketron, M.D.
Scott Litton, Jr., M.D.
Christopher Mitchell, M.D.
Rakeshkumar Patel, M.D.
John Phillips, M.D.
Peter Platzer, M.D.
Donald Quinn, M.D.
Patrick Riggins, M.D.
Joni Sago, M.D.
Benjamin Scharfstein, M.D.
Jeffrey Schoondyke, M.D.
James Schrenker, M.D.
Cheryl Stanski, M.D.
Robert Strickland, M.D.
Zachary Sumpter, D.O.
Pitchar Theerathorn, M.D.
Clinical Operation Committee
John Green, M.D.
Chairman
Stephen Combs, M.D.
Landon Combs, M.D.
Gregory DeMotts, M.D.
Alfred Harkleroad, M.D.
Eric Harman, M.D.
Donald Quinn, M.D.
Donny Reeves, M.D.
Gail Stanley, M.D.
Contracts Committee
John Green, M.D.
Chairman
Phillip Claybrook, M.D.
Scott Fowler, M.D.
D. Nelson Gwaltney, M.D.
Alfred Harkleroad, M.D.
Donny Reeves, M.D.
Donald Quinn, M.D.
Credentials Committee
Alfred Harkleroad, M.D.
Chairman
Mary Pat Francisco, M.D.
Medical Director
Curtis Jantzi, D.O.
Fred Knickerbocker, M.D.
Edward Latham, Ph.D.
Christopher Mitchell, M.D.
Dennis Samuel, Jr., M.D.
Robert Strickland, M.D.
Sameh Ward, M.D.
Finance Committee
Anthony Seaton, M.D.
Chairman
Samuel Breeding, M.D.
Scott Fowler, M.D.
D. Nelson Gwaltney, M.D.
Joni Sago, M.D.
Zachary Sumpter, D.O.
Network Development Committee
Christopher Mitchell, M.D.
Chairman
Mary Pat Francisco, M.D.
Rakeshkumar Patel, M.D.
Jeffery Schoondyke, M.D.
Jennifer Jonkers, M.D.
Kyle Radack, M.D.
Sameh Ward, M.D.
James Schrenker, M.D.
Meet The Teams
Leadership
Pictured: (Left to Right) Heather Wheeler, Victoria Blanken, Kortney Chase, & Michelle Repass
Administrative
Pictured: (Left to Right) Patience Slone & Angel Bellamy
Clinical Outreach
Pictured: (Left to Right) Amanda Davis, Aundrea Hammonds, Michelle Repass, & Kristie Castle
Credentialing
Pictured: (Left to Right) Ava Lane, Heather Wheeler, & Leeanna Slone
Contracting & Provider Relations
Pictured: (Left to Right) Kortney Chase & Crystal Williamson
Marketing
Pictured: (Left to Right) Kortney Chase & Heather Wheeler
HPI Staff
Angel Bellamy
Executive Assistant ABellamy@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Victoria Blanken, CPC, MBA
Executive Director VBlanken@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Kristie Castle
Billing & Coding Specialist Bridges Patient Advocate KCastle@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Kortney Chase, MS, MHA
Director of Operations KChase@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Amanda Davis
Care Coordinator ADavis@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Aundrea Hammonds
Care Coordinator AHammonds@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Ava Lane
Credentialing Specialist ALane@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Michelle Repass
Director of Practice Services MRepass@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Leeanna Slone
Credentialing Enrollment Specialist LSlone@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Patience Slone
Administrative Assistant PSlone@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Heather Wheeler, CPCS
Director of Credentialing & Marketing HWheeler@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Crystal Williamson
Provider Relations Specialist CWilliamson@HighlandsPhysicians.com
Proud Member of the Tennessee Group Practice Coalition
Send Us a Message
Join Us
Contact Highlands Physicians, Inc. today to learn more about partnering with us and enjoying all the benefits our membership offers. Call our office at 423-392-1920 or complete the contact form for more information.
