Appeals Court Ruling Goes Against ETMC

TYLER – Tyler’s 12th Court of Appeals has set aside an injunction that allowed East Texas Medical Center to be an in-network hospital in the Blue Cross Blue Shield preferred provider organization. Last year, ETMC Tyler filed suit against Blue Cross Blue Shield, saying the hospital’s exclusion from the organization’s preferred provider networks has created serious and negative impacts on a large group of consumers. A November 12 injunction granted in-network provider status to ETMC Tyler. The following month, Blue Cross Blue Shield filed an appeal. This week the Tyler appeals court dissolved the temporary injunction and remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings. Hospital spokesperson Rebecca Berkley said, “We view this as a momentary interruption, and we look forward to the trial later this year.” She said they remain focused on their mission of care, and, as always, continue to welcome all Blue Cross and Blue Shield patients at ETMC Tyler.