Patients Target Insurers in Suits Over Flawed Doctor Directories

A string of recent lawsuits is spotlighting health insurance companies’ inaccurate provider directories, making a new legal case for the industry to fix a longstanding problem.

The widespread issue of “ghost networks” is a barrier to patients seeking care—particularly mental health care—and can help shield insurers from penalties over insufficient networks. A 2023 New York state report found that success in scheduling mental health appointments ranged from 0% to just 35%.

Patients challenging inaccurate directories lack a clear route in court, though their attorneys have tried a range of state and federal claims from false advertising to breach of fiduciary ...