VSP Beats Lawsuit by California Optometrist Dropped From Network

Vision Service Plan’s two-step dispute resolution process outlined in its network provider agreement doesn’t violate a California law requiring fair and fast dispute resolutions, so an optometrist challenging the termination of his own agreement must arbitrate his claims, a state appeals court said.

The challenged agreement included an internal appeal process in accordance with VSP’s peer review plan and fair hearing policy. If the dispute wasn’t resolved in the hearing, a second step called for binding arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act.

VSP cut ties with optometrist Gordon Epstein after auditing his claims for reimbursement and concluding he was knowingly ...