Physicians Groups Sue Over Blue Cross Denial Of Some ER Claims

Two physicians organizations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and its parent company over the insurer’s emergency room payment policy, calling it “dangerous.’’

The parent company, Indianapolis-based Anthem, has pursued a new policy over the past year in Georgia and five other states, reviewing customers’ ER visits and limiting or denying payment for those it deems not to have been true emergencies.

The new lawsuit, from the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) and the American College of Emergency Physicians, seeks to force Blue Cross to end its emergency care payment policy.