Tide may turn in lawsuits against hospitals over fees

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-hosp26.html

Dozens of hospitals nationwide are being sued for the common practice of charging the highest rates to those least able to pay -- uninsured patients.

In the early going, hospitals have won a string of victories. About 20 lawsuits have been thrown out by judges or dropped by attorneys representing the uninsured patients.

"We have seen a drumbeat of dismissals," said American Hospital Association spokeswoman Alicia Mitchell. "The dismissals underscore our view that these claims are without legal merit."

But plaintiffs recently scored a significant victory in a lawsuit against Our Lady of the Resurrection Hospital in Chicago. Cook County Judge Stuart Nudelman refused to dismiss the suit, so it now will proceed to trial.

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[Coastie for Truth]

1. "or dropped by attorneys representing the uninsured patients."

could be lawyer talk for "settled with patient (or groups of patients) and the terms and conditions of the settlement are sealed (i.e. - kept secret - and enforced by threat of a contempt of court order)"

Please do not push for details;-)

[struggle4progress]

2. kick