A lawsuit was filed in November of last year against Blue Shield, the health insurance company, for its failure to pay for certain types of prosthetic feet for its members. The lawsuit alleges that Blue Shield ignores the numerous benefits of these prostheses, and wrongly labels them as investigational.
The lawsuit specifically refers to microprocessor-controlled foot prostheses. These prosthetic feet respond to constant feedback from sensors embedded in the feet to the onboard computer. The computer than changes the resistance to downward motion and upward motion of the foot based on walking speed, incline, decline, and the type of terrain involved. The foot then makes adjustments in real time. This can help create stability, decrease tumbles and falls, improves ambulation on all surfaces, and decreases the discomfort and pain associated with a prosthetic device.
According to the lawsuit, microprocessor-controlled foot prostheses are now established and accepted by the medical community as standard prostheses and are very routinely prescribed for people who meet certain medical criteria. However, Blue Shield’s policies label these devices as investigational, ignoring the benefits found by numerous studies of the devices.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for those affected by Blue Shield’s policies and is asking the court to order Blue Shield to change its policies going forward. If you have a prosthetic device, and your claim has been denied by Blue Shield, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney. I am not only an attorney, I am also an amputee. I currently have several lawsuits against insurance companies underway. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.