September 27, 2024
Dr. Leslie Schafer’s Analysis and Trial Testimony Lead to $421 Million Award for Louisiana Surgery Center
A New Orleans jury has awarded more than $421 million to St. Charles Surgical Hospital and Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in a case against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. The award comes after a seven-year legal battle.
The landmark decision was delivered on September 25, 2024 and marks a significant moment in out-of-network healthcare litigation. The predominant issue in the case was that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana committed fraud, underpaying the out-of-network hospital and center for services rendered. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana pre-authorized more than 7,800 claims but only paid about 9% of the amounts due after the services were provided.
Econ One’s economic expert, Dr. Leslie Schafer, who has extensive experience with healthcare-related matters, played a crucial role throughout the case and at trial by providing economic analysis and testimony that highlighted the economic impact of the underpayments. Dr. Schafer’s insights were pivotal in helping the jury understand the dynamics of insurer-provider bargaining and economic issues at play. The jury ultimately awarded Dr. Schafer’s exact damages calculation—to the dollar—of $421, 488,633.