Here are seven updates.
California ASCs to settle out-of-network class action with United Health
Hooper, Lundy and Bookman filed a motion for preliminary approval to settle a class action complaint that was filed more than six years ago. The complaint was filed on behalf of out-of-network California ASCs against United Healthcare Services and Optumlnsight. The complaint claims United and Optumlnsight incorrectly calculated the reasonable and customary amounts for out-of-network ASC, resulting in millions of dollars in underpayments.
Patient starts 2 fires in Houston hospital causing $1M in damage
David Williams started two fires at Houston-based Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital after the hospital refused him for emergency room services. The fires resulted in approximately $1 million in damage.
Banner scraps UA's $115M Epic system for Cerner
Banner Health, based in Phoenix, announced plans to drop Epic's EHR system at its two Tucson hospitals. The company will replace the system with Cerner's platform.
Cleveland Clinic loses orthopedic surgeon over implant dispute
Cleveland Clinic standardized implants to only two investors — Stryker and Zimmer — for joint replacements. As a result, orthopedic surgeon Raymond L. Horwood moved his practice from Cleveland Clinic to John Medical Center to continue using DePuy implants for joint replacements.
Hospital-employed physician practices tend to favor their parent hospitals
Stanford researchers found physicians employed by hospitals were more likely to send their patients to their employer hospitals for treatment. The results are cause for concern for patients who may not be receiving the highest quality of care.
AMA voices concern over insurance mergers
The American Medical Association released a 12-page analysis explaining how the recent Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana mergers will hurt patients. The AMA states the mergers will result in "unprecedented lack of competition" in the market.
Chipotle labeled as culprit in Minnesota salmonella outbreak
Minnesota has reported at least 45 cases of salmonella infection with investigator discovering that all of the infected individuals ate at various Chipotle's in Minnesota.
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