Two No Surprises Act arbitrators lose federal contracts

Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is cutting off two groups tasked with arbitrating disputes over surprise medical bills, citing a failure “to meet minimum performance standards.”

The groups, Island Peer Review Organization, or IPRO, and Network Medical Review Company, will no longer be able to accept new disputes, the government said in a Wednesday announcement. The firms can appeal the decision, and Network Medical Review said it would do so.

The decision comes after a STAT investigation found IPRO, as well as other arbitrators tasked with executing the No Surprises Act, were racking up huge profits while frequently deciding in favor of clinicians in the disputes.

STAT+ Exclusive Story