Discouraging Doctors from Speaking Up Against Insurer Abuse of Their Patients: Dr. McConnell vs. Coventry
Getting fair treatment for a workers’ compensation injury is often a difficult process requiring many parties to consistently act in the best interest of the injured worker. The complicated relationship between doctors, patients, and insurance companies grew even more muddled following the ruling of a Texas appellate court last week. The Dallas appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal on summary judgement of the legal case brought by Dr. John McConnell, a respected orthopedic surgeon, against the companies Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and Coventry Health Care. Dr, McConnell claimed that his health care provider contract was terminated after he spoke out against wrongful conduct of Liberty Mutual in delay/deny/dispute of critically needed care for his patients.
