Anthem Blue Cross Sued for Limiting Its Preferred Provider Network Resulting in Less Access to Health Care

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 21, 2013) — Jury selection began today in a Los Angeles Superior Court case involving a claim that giant health care insurer Anthem Blue Cross excludes primary care doctors from its Preferred Provider Network who advocate for patient care, resulting in less access to health care for its members.

Dr. Jeffrey Nordella, an ardent patient advocate, claims in the lawsuit that Anthem Blue Cross, the largest for-profit health insurer in California, puts profits before patients by unlawfully excluding qualified doctors from its Preferred Provider Network. Because there is a shortage of primary care physicians in California and LA County, Blue Cross’ exclusion of primary care doctors (such as Dr. Nordella) restricts its plan members’ access to health care, according to the lawsuit.

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