UnitedHealth Probe Reveals History of Pricing Questions

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A routine chiropractic bill involving less than $400 could wind up costing the health insurance sector plenty.

Three years ago, Dr. Michael Davekos set out to prove that he had been underpaid for treatment he provided to a car-wreck victim near Boston. Davekos felt that he charged fair prices for his services and even compared notes with other local chiropractors just to make sure.

Nevertheless, Liberty Mutual maintained that his rates exceeded the charges that are "usual, customary and reasonable" -- or UCR -- for treatment in his area. After Davekos sued, Liberty finally paid most of the bill. But the insurer balked at paying the $394.77 that remained. ...