Cigna Health Giant Faces Accusations of Algorithmic Denial of Patient Claims
Cigna, a major health insurance company, is facing a federal lawsuit alleging that it improperly rejected over 300,000 patient claims using an algorithm called PXDX, which spent an average of just 1.2 seconds on each review. The lawsuit claims that Cigna's doctors instantly denied claims without examining patient files, leaving thousands without coverage and unexpected bills. Cigna is accused of conducting an "illegal scheme" to systematically deny claims and avoid paying for necessary medical procedures. The lawsuit seeks damages and a jury trial, while Cigna argues that the process is used to expedite physician reimbursement and does not result in denials of care.