Aetna, a provider of health services, has extended its contract agreement with WakeMed Health & Hospitals.

Aetna provides health benefits to about 300,000 members in North Carolina, US, who will have access to a network that includes more than 118 contracted hospitals and 16,381 primary care and specialist physicians.

Under the extended contract, WakeMed’s various hospitals, outpatient facilities and affiliated physicians will provide covered health benefits, at in-network rates, to Aetna members.

WakeMed executive vice president finance and chief financial officer Mike DeVaughn said the hospital is pleased to continue work with Aetna to ensure adults and children throughout the community have access to the specialized services.

"For more than 50 years, WakeMed has upheld our important mission of providing outstanding and compassionate care to all who seek our services, and we recognize that the residents of this region rely on us to assist with health care for themselves and their families," DeVaughn added.

WakeMed provides various services including children’s emergency department, a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, neuro intensive care, a comprehensive rehabilitation hospital and a children’s hospital complete with a pediatric intensive care unit.