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
Dangerous Medicine? An article on the front page of USA Today1 reports:
"Researchers estimate about 120,000 preventable deaths and 1 million injuries occur during the course of medical treatment each year."Assuming there are approximately 600,000 MDs, this equates to an average MD being involved in one preventable death every five years, and almost two unnecessary injuries every year. This is something to consider when comparing the risk of chiropractic care to that of medical treatment.
Reference
1. Medical groups act to curb errors. USA Today, October 14, 1996.