www.hmocrisis.com July 1st, 2002

July 1, 2002 - Missouri Doctors Awarded Millions in Lawsuit Against HMO

American Medical News provides a detailed article concerning a recent Missouri state court decision in favor of Kansas City doctors. The doctors, members of a pediatrician group that entered into an agreement managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City for a pilot capitation program, had sought detailed information for years concerning the program and the specific amounts due to the doctors. The twelve jurors awarded the doctors over six million dollars in unpaid fees and damages. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City has indicated that they will appeal. Kansas City attorney Charles W. German noted “I advise physicians to receive financial reports regularly and make sure they understand them. A lot of HMOs do create financial incentives. But a lot of physicians get busy in their practice and don't keep track of the financial reports. Dr. Vaughters was conscientious enough to keep after them." For a detailed article on the case of interest to doctors nationwide please go to www.ama-assn.org

July 1, 2002 - Dr. Yank D. Coble, Jr. Named AMA President

Florida endocrinologist Yank D. Coble Jr, MD, took the oath of office Wednesday evening at this year’s Annual Meeting. Dr. Coble promised to uphold the AMA’s continued commitment to standards, ethics, excellence in medical education and practice, and advocacy on behalf of the medical profession and the patients served by the AMA. Dr. Coble noted “adversity can be a force for positive change.” He also reminded the audience to hold fast to the traditions of ethics, caring and science, and encouraged members to collaborate with patients to erode barriers to quality medical care. For a complete report on Dr. Coble and his comments please go to www.ama-assn.org.

To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please send us an email HERE.