Western faculty and staff who seek medical attention from a local clinic could be experiencing some financial headaches as the year comes to a close.

Graves-Gilbert Clinic, at 201 Park St., might end its contract with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield by Dec. 31, according to an e-mail sent to Western employees.

The e-mail cited problems with the contract between GGC and Anthem.

The two couldn’t agree on reimbursement rates, which are the amounts an insurance company pays to health care providers for specific medical services, said Tony Glisson, director of Human Resources, in an e-mail.

All of Western’s employees are insured through Anthem, said Kari Aikins, manager of employee benefits and retirement.

Glisson said the issue is “a huge disruption” for faculty and staff.

A large number of faculty and staff and their families get their medical care from GGC, he said.

“We’re not happy,” Glisson said. “But we’re optimistic and hopeful something will be worked out by Jan. 1.”

GGC employs physicians of several different specialties, including cardiology, urology, oncology and sports medicine, according to the GGC Web site.

Terminating the contract between Anthem and GGC would mean employees could have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs, Aikins said.

The e-mail warned that employees could experience “balance billing,” or be responsible for the difference between what Anthem covers and what GGC charges, Glisson said.

GGC offers services from more than 80 local physicians and nurse practitioners, according to a letter from Anthem to its customers.

“We recognize that Graves-Gilbert Clinic is an important medical provider in greater Bowling Green, with a number of physicians performing primary care and specialty services,” the letter said.

Anthem promised its customers it would continue trying to accommodate them and advised them to seek medical care from health providers that accept Anthem. A full list can be seen at www.anthem.com.

Glisson said other local institutions, including Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, use Anthem as well.

“It’s a community thing,” he said. “. . . But we’re concerned about our people.”

Glisson said he doesn’t know when a decision will be reached, but administrators will keep faculty and staff updated on the situation.