Federal court assumes ERISA claims jurisdiction

In a recent appellate court decision, a practitioner was granted the right to challenge a claims denial under provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This article reviews the reasoning of the court in allowing the practitioner standing in the court under ERISA and reviews the language of the insurance contract that led the court to affirm denial of payment to the practitioner. "Health Law" is a regular feature of Physician Executive contributed by Epstein Becker & Green. Mark E. Lutes of the law firm's Washington, D.C, offices serves as editor for the column.