Blue Cross Hit With Multi-Million Dollar Suit

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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Blue Cross Hit With Multi-Million Dollar Suit

The state’s largest health insurer faces a class action lawsuit from some Georgia surgery centers that could cost it tens of millions of dollars. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the suit is against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. It alleges the company discouraged customer visits to out-of-network providers by reimbursing those providers at a fraction of "usual and customary" charges. The suit claims a violation of state and federal laws that protect patients and providers.

In a prepared statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield says the allegations are without merit, and the company will vigorously defend itself. The company says it does properly reimburse providers not in their regular network.

The filing of this lawsuit follows a similar one against Blue Cross Blue Shield earlier this year by a Nashville-based dialysis provider. That suit was dismissed by an Atlanta federal court.

http://gpbnews.blogspot.com/2009/06/blue-cross-hit-with-multi-million.html