August 2001

Virginia Judge Says Trigon Lawsuit Can Move Forward

Abingdon, Va. - The U.S. District Court here has ruled that a lawsuit against Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, filed by the American Chiropractic Association, Virginia Chiropractic Association and others, can move forward.

The ACA and VCA, plus five individual doctors of chiropractic and 18 chiropractic patients, filed suit against Trigon over what they consider to be discriminatory reimbursement policies. Trigon is Virginia's largest managed health-care company, and one of the largest Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in the country.

After extensive briefing by Trigon attorneys and the attorneys representing the chiropractic cause, Judge James P. Jones of the U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Va., ruled that six of the eight claims originally made could remain in the case.

This ruling by the court opens the door to the discovery phase of the trial, which will include detailed examination of Trigon documents and the taking of sworn depositions of Trigon executives, policymakers, third-party physicians (including medical directors) and other third parties with whom they deal.

The lawsuit is by far the most significant and aggressive legal action ever taken by the chiropractic profession against the insurance industry.

Source: American Chiropractic Association and Staff Reports

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: