November 1st, 2003 -
Judge Moreno Issues Order Providing Final Judicial Approval of AETNA
Settlement
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additional information concerning HMO litigation, please visit the
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Miami,
FL – US District Judge Federico Moreno issued his order granting
final approval to the landmark settlement agreement between AETNA and 950,000
physicians in Miami on October 24, 2003. The Order approves the May settlement
of a national class action pending in the federal court for the Southern
District of Florida before Judge Moreno, as well as multiple state court
actions filed against the company. The sweeping document includes
industry-leading improvements to physician-related business practices as well
as cash payments to physicians in accordance with terms outlined within the
agreement. Finally, the settlement provides additional funding for an
independent foundation dedicated to improving the quality of health care in
America. The agreement will enhance communication between physicians and
AETNA, reduce administrative complexity in the claims payment system and help
improve the quality of the health care delivery system. These changes will
result in increased predictability and speed of claims payment, creating
significant value for physicians by reducing time-consuming and costly
administrative burdens and giving physicians and their office staffs more time
to focus on their central mission - providing health care to patients. To
view a copy of the Orders issued on October 24, 2003
click here: Aetna
Settlement Approval -
Order 1 |
Order 2.