Brenda .Honeycutt sued Anthem in July, alleging the insurer did not cover a spinal decompression procedure done with the Coflex interlaminar stabilization device to treat spondylolisthesis. Her lawsuit argued the device should have been covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
However, Ms. Honeycutt’s lawsuit was tossed May 5 by Judge Fernando Olguin, according to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. A stipulation document filed May 4 said Ms. Honeycutt experienced a complication after having the Coflex device implanted, and her medical providers reimbursed her for out-of-pocket costs. Because of the complication and the fact she was reimbursed, it is unlikely she could establish herself as a “proper class representative,” the document said.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
