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.
Correction
Our November 7, 1990 edition included a report on "Methods of Physician Selection Provided by Workers' Compensation Statutes." South Dakota was listed as one of the states in which the employer selects the physician.
Charles Kornmann, general counsel to the South Dakota Chiropractors' Association, informs us that since July 1, 1990 this is no longer the law in South Dakota. Employees in South Dakota have the initial choice of physician. Also, a physician in South Dakota is specifically defined now by workers'compensation law to include chiropractors.