CMA Calls Proposed DMHC Regulations Illegal and a Threat to Patient Care
[Posted 10/05/06]

CMA this week filed comments on proposed regulations that would prohibit billing patients for emergency services provided by noncontracting physicians, calling the proposals “flatly illegal” and a threat to the quality and availability of emergency care throughout the state. The regulations would also establish an unproven and burdensome billing dispute resolution process and impose other unwarranted rules that would undermine fair and timely physician reimbursement.

CMA on Wednesday delivered to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) extensive written comments, supported by more than 4,500 pages of evidence. These comments supplement the compelling testimony presented by hundreds of CMA member physicians during three public hearings on the proposed regulations, including the third and final hearing Wednesday in Sacramento.

As was the case at the previous two hearings, more than 40 CMA physicians delivered a strong and consistent message: Physicians don’t want to bill patients and DMHC should ensure that insurance companies—whose profits continue to soar—pay fair and legitimate ER bills.

Contact: Susan Bassett, 916/444-5532 or sbassett@cmanet.org.