Calif. Regulator Intervenes in Suit Against Sutter

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has filed to intervene in a lawsuit that alleges Sutter Health hospitals engaged in false billing practices for anesthesia services.

Jones says through false and overblown bills, Sutter allegedly bilked patients out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Sutter spokesman Bill Gleeson denies the allegations, saying the plaintiffs in the lawsuit haven’t provided evidence to support their claims of billing improprieties.

Sutter is one of the largest hospital chains in California.

The commissioner’s motion will be heard May 5.

The case will be decided by a jury in Sacramento.