**Blog Post: Uncovering the Legal Battle: A Crucial Development for New Jersey Chiropractors**

In a landmark decision that could ripple through the chiropractic industry, a federal judge in New Jersey has cleared the path for a crucial lawsuit against health insurers Cigna and Aetna. This lawsuit, filed by the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors along with individual chiropractors, shines a spotlight on the alleged underpayment for services by these insurers. For those in the chiropractic field, this is a significant development that underscores the need for vigilance and continual growth in one’s practice.

U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez’s recent ruling permitted breach of fiduciary duty claims by chiropractor Peter Scordilis to proceed. However, the claims brought forward by chiropractor Eric Loewrigkeit and the chiropractic association were dismissed due to a lack of standing. Interesting to note, the court also dismissed claims against MultiPlan, concluding that they were not a fiduciary, and that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) did not permit the plaintiffs to pursue monetary damages from the court.

This legal skirmish highlights the potentially uneven playing field that chiropractors may face when dealing with large insurance providers. By focusing on the allegations that Cigna and Aetna systematically reduced reimbursements to out-of-network chiropractors through MultiPlan, despite providing patients with differing explanations of benefits, the case brings to the forefront the challenges faced by those running chiropractic clinics.

While the avenue for addressing fiduciary breaches has been opened for Dr. Scordilis, the plaintiffs now have 30 days to file an amended complaint to correct the technical pleading issues as indicated by Judge Vazquez. Attorney Jeffrey Randolph, representing the plaintiffs, has expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and is set to continue pursuing the remaining claims.

For chiropractors, this situation is a stark reminder of the importance of staying informed about legal changes and how they might impact your practice. It also accentuates the critical need to grow continually—whether it’s by improving your services, increasing your network, or staying updated with industry developments.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this legal battle: How do you think this will impact the chiropractic industry, especially in New Jersey? Have you faced similar reimbursement issues with insurers in the past? Let’s keep the conversation going; your insights could empower fellow practitioners to tackle similar challenges.

Remember, keeping your practice resilient and robust in the face of such industry dynamics is essential. Don’t just observe these events—use them as a catalyst to fortify and expand your business practice.

Join the discussion below, and don’t forget to like and share this post to help spread awareness. Together, we can navigate these choppy waters and emerge stronger.

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