FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2002
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kelley Elwood, 1-800-782-ISMS
Statement by Illinois State Medical Society
President John F. Schneider, MD, PhD on
US Supreme Court Ruling in
Rush Prudential HMO Inc. v. Debra C. Moran and the State of Illinois
Today's ruling is a monumental victory for Illinois patients. The Court ruled that decisions about medical care should be made by patients and their doctors, not insurance bureaucrats. The Illinois State Medical Society stood with Debra Moran in supporting her right to appeal the decision made by her HMO. We are very pleased with the Supreme Court's ruling, and encourage other patients to exercise their rights granted by Illinois law.
ISMS submitted an amicus brief supporting a patient's right to an independent, external appeal. We promoted the independent review provision of the state's HMO Act on which this case is based.
The Illinois State Medical Society represents over 14,000 physicians statewide practicing in all specialties