FPA Medical, Healthsource in 7-Year Pact

Healthsource Inc. agreed to let some of its members use San Diego-based FPA Medical Management Inc.’s pool of doctors under a seven-year agreement between the companies, FPA said. Under the accord, Healthsource would allow its 188,000 members in New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas to see FPA doctors, FPA said. Hooksett, N.H.-based Healthsource agreed in February to be acquired by insurer Cigna Corp. for $1.7 billion in cash and assumed debt. This is the fourth such agreement in three months for FPA. In June, the company signed a 10-year contract with Aetna Inc.’s managed-care unit. It also has recently signed agreements with Foundation Health Systems Inc. and PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., analysts said. FPA is the nation’s third-largest physician-practice management company, with about 21,000 affiliated doctors. FPA shares rose 56 cents to close at $26.56 on Nasdaq. Healthsource shares rose 6 cents to close at $21.81 on the NYSE.