PHYSICIAN DECERTIFICATION HAILED:

Insurance companies are applauding New York Gov. George Pataki for signing legislation that they say will assist them in their efforts to fight insurance fraud. Pataki signed A.8376, which decertifies physicians from receiving payment under the no-fault system when the physician engages in deceptive billing or fraudulent practices.

“This is a great victory for insurers, consumers and patients,” said Kristina Baldwin, regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “Passage of this bill will help rid the no-fault system of medical mills and unscrupulous medical providers.”