A New Orleans-based surgical hospital is suing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana for breach of contract after the insurance company sent payments directly to patients, according to a Louisiana Record report.
Here are five things to know:
1. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana allegedly sent payments equaling $411,761.40 to patients instead of the hospital, which is required by the hospital's contract. St. Charles Surgical Hospital had submitted an assignment of benefits to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana but did not directly receive payment.
2. The surgical hospital is seeking reasonable damages, court costs, attorney fees and all appropriate relief from the payer, according to the report.
3. St. Charles Surgical Hospital filed the suit on Dec. 29, 2017. The hospital had previously filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana on Feb. 10, 2017, alleging the payer owed it $72,926.94 that was directly sent to patients instead of the hospital.
4. St. Charles Surgical Hospital has nine physicians on staff focusing on breast surgery, oncology and orthopedics.