In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
I.Q. -- Interesting Quote
Physician, Prescribe Thyself
"A (medical) physician who treats himself has a fool for a patient." -- Jason Christie, MD, commenting on his study that found 52 percent of medical residents at a university medical center self-prescribed.
Reference
Christie J, Rosen I, Bellini L et al. Prescription drug use and self-prescription among resident physicians. JAMA 1998;280:1253-55.
The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Forty-two percent of the prescription medications were obtained from the hospital sample closet. Eleven percent of the residents got the drugs directly from pharmaceutical company representatives.