Health insurers are being billed for services that weren’t performed on patients, according to a 9Wants to Know investigation into the operations of Columbine Health Plan.
9News has also learned that Columbine, a third-party administrator that works with about 350 chiropractors, increases the fees that chiropractors charge patients before submitting the claims to their insurance companies.
9Wants to Know reviewed bills for more than 45 patient visits and found Columbine increased fees or added services every time.
“They changed a calf stretch to a spinal manipulation,” said Mike Springfield, president of the Colorado Chiropractic Association, as he reviewed Columbine’s records. “You need to bill for the things you do. It’s just common sense.”
Columbine says it does not add services without first checking with doctors — a claim that 10 doctors contacted by 9News disputed. However, the company said it has an agreement with insurers that allows it to increase the charges reported for services that are provided.
