Wayne, N.J.-based University Spine Center sued UnitedHealthcare July 24, alleging the insurer failed to pay $226,477.60 awarded through the No Surprises Act’s independent dispute resolution process.
The dispute involves out-of-network medical and surgical services provided to three UnitedHealthcare members in 2025. University Spine Center alleged five independent dispute resolution determinations were issued in its favor but UnitedHealthcare failed to pay the awards.
The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey Superior Court, alleges eight state-law causes of action, including breach of contract, unjust enrichment and violation of the New Jersey Prompt Payment of Claims Act. The practice seeks $226,477.60 under its breach-of-contract claim and $253,742 under its unjust enrichment and quantum merit claims.
UnitedHealthcare moved the case to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey Aug. 28. The insurer argued that the dispute raises substantial questions of federal law because the claims center on the No Surprises Act. UnitedHealthcare also disputed University Spine Center’s ability to enforce the IDR awards through its state-law claims.
Becker’s has reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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