RE: Implementation
of CIGNA HealthCare Settlement Agreement With The Nations' Physicians - 04/23/04
A
statement from Archie Lamb
"We are extremely
pleased with today's action by the appeals court. The court's dismissal of
all appeals opens the door for the implementation of the landmark settlement
agreement between the nation's physicians and CIGNA HealthCare. Both parties
are now able to move forward aggressively in the implementation of the many
positive business practice changes and other benefits included in the
agreement. The settlement agreement provides for unprecedented adjustments in
the healthcare delivery system that will have a significant positive impact on
the healthcare provided to all Americans by allowing physicians to focus on
what they do best: care for patients. The agreement also provides for a
foundation controlled by physicians and focused on addressing key issues
affecting the nations healthcare delivery system as well as payments to
physicians and a return of the millions of dollars invested in the lawsuit by
an extremely hard working and committed group of attorneys. "