We confirmed today that CCS Oncology dropped its lawsuit against Independent Health.
An Independent Health spokesperson released this statement:
"In August this year we received notification that CCS withdrew its lawsuit. This voluntary discontinuance by CCS was not in response to any settlement. Throughout this legal process it has been our unwavering contention that we followed all regulatory and contractual requirements for the non-renewal of these physician contracts."
See our previous coverage below:
CCS Oncology tells 7 Eyewitness News that it plans to file a lawsuit in NYS Supreme Court over Independent Health's decision to drop 22 CCS oncologists from its network starting January 1, 2017.
"To me, that is putting money over cancer patients. To me, that is absolutely unacceptable," said Dr. W. Sam Yi, MD, CEO and Executive Medical Director of CCS Oncology.
Dr. Yi said the decision has impacted over 500 active cancer treatment patients and threatens to reduce choices for those who are diagnosed with the disease in the future.
"These patients are fighting for their lives and now they have to fight the insurance company," said a CCS staff employee who added that she is fielding calls from tearful patients.
Independent Health said the decision was necessary to control rising cancer treatment cost. The health insurance company said it was helping patients find new oncologists and took steps to provide longer-than-required notice.
CCS Oncology plans to file the lawsuit within the next two weeks. The medical groups is launching a media blitz to inform the public of what is happening. It has also created a hotline to answer questions (716) 932-7779.
