Senators see possible conflicts of interest in health care pricing tools

A data analytics company that helps insurers collect large fees while leaving some patients with unpaid bills has been summoned to explain its model economic.

The chairmen of two Senate committees overseeing health policy, concerned that companies are “increasing their own profits” at the expense of patients, are reviewing practices from a data analytics company that works with large insurers to reduce payments to medical providers.

The company MultiPlan recommends what it considers payments fair for medical care, but society and insurers may charge higher fees when payments are lower. This business model could "result in an inappropriate conflict of interest," the chairs of the two committees, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, wrote in a letter to the company's chief executive officer released Tuesday.

Senators asked MultiPlan to meet with committee staff to discuss an investigation last month by The New York Times that found that the company's pricing tools company could leave patients with surprisingly high bills when they see doctors outside of their health plans' networks.

“Our committees are engaged in ongoing legislative work to stop practices by plan service providers that increase health care costs for consumers. while increasing their own profits," said the letter to Travis Dalton, MultiPlan's chief executive.

In a statement, MultiPlan said it was working with Senate committees “to answer their questions and explain the cost and complexity that patients may face” when choosing expensive care outside their networks. “We are committed to helping make health care transparent, equitable and affordable for all,” the statement said.

The commissions' investigation reflects the growing scrutiny of the system based in New York. company, which has largely remained on the sidelines even as it has gained a dominant position in a lucrative health care sector.

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