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.
Health Care Organizations Reduce and Merge
Sixty percent of US Hospitals and other health care institutions reduced their work forces during the past two years, according to a survey by Manchester Partners International.
Fifty-four percent of the health care organizations in the survey made major changes in the services they provide during 1996 and 1995. Thirty-seven percent of the health care organizations were involved in at least one merger or acquisition during the time, the survey found.
Only 21 percent of the health care organizations expanded in the past two years, according to the survey.
Source: AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net