Home

  • Home
    • » e-Newsletters

Lawmaker seeks investigation into insurers and hospitals

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, April 25, 2006

At a press conference organized by the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, a state representative called for state and federal investigations into the business practices of hospitals and insurers in the state that may lock ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) out of insurance contracts, according to a story in The Denver Business Journal.

"I have heard complaints from constituents about a lack of choice in selecting their physicians and where they can have care," said state representative Keith King (R-Colorado Springs), according to The Denver Business Journal. "I have seen examples of predatory practices of insurance companies and some hospital systems to get rid of competition."

ASCs in the state claim hospitals have worked to lock them out of insurance contracts by agreeing to lower inpatient rates for insurers who then do not agree to contacts with outpatient competitors, an issue disputed by hospitals, including HealthOne, Denver's largest hospital system.

"That pricing is always based on our ASC pricing. It has nothing to do with inpatient," said Len Kalm, HealthOne's senior vice president of managed care, according to The Denver Business Journal.

Most Popular