Court Opinion

ID: 3182493
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-03-03 19:16:23.800328+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:03:08.787378
License: Public Domain

Filed 3/3/16 Fradenburg v. United Healthcare Ins. Co. CA2/6
                  NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

              IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                     SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                   DIVISION SIX

LOUISE FRADENBURG,                                                            2d Civil No. B258404
                                                                            (Super. Ct. No. 1401650)
     Plaintiff and Appellant,                                                (Santa Barbara County)

v.

UNITED HEALTHCARE INSURANCE
COMPANY et al.,

     Defendants and Respondents.

                   Louise Fradenburg appeals the trial court's order denying her motion for
class certification. Fradenburg's health insurance plan covers medically necessary out-of-
network mental health treatment. It does not limit the number of treatment sessions and
does not require preauthorization. Her provider reviews treatment after a member claims
more than 20 psychotherapy sessions in six months and then may limit further coverage
to that which it determines is medically necessary.
                   Fradenburg contends this practice of concurrent review and prospective
limitation is unlawful and discriminates against those with severe mental illnesses who
require long-term treatment. She contends her health care plan only permits retrospective
review.
                   On behalf of herself and other similarly situated, Fradenburg seeks an
injunction, restitution, and statutory damages for unfair business practices and violation
of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (the "Act). (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 17200 et seq.; Civ.
Code, § 51.)
                The trial court denied class certification. It found that the class is
ascertainable but the claims are not suitable for class treatment because individual issues
of medical necessity predominate over common issues of law or fact. We affirm.
                                       BACKGROUND
               United's Coverage for Out-of-Network Mental Health Treatment
                Fradenburg is employed by the University of California and is insured
under an Anthem Blue Cross PPO plan.1 United Heathcare Insurance Company provides
behavioral benefits under the plan, including outpatient mental health treatment. United
Behavioral Health and U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California administer the plan. We
refer to the United entities collectively as "United."
                The plan covers "clinically necessary" mental health treatment. Before
2009, the plan limited coverage for out -of-network mental health treatment to 20
sessions per year and imposed a penalty on members who did not obtain preauthorization.
In 2009, United eliminated the visit limitation and the preauthorization requirement to
comply with federal parity laws. (42 U.S.C. § 300gg-26; see also Health & Saf. Code,
§ 1374.72.) After 2009, medical necessity was the only limitation on United's coverage
for out-of-network outpatient mental health treatment.
                United's representative testified that, "with federal parity, the
preauthorization, precertification processes went away, which basically left an
unmanaged out-of-network benefit." United looked for ways to "mitigate parity effects."
In an internal document, United expressed concern that "the discerning UC member will
soon realize there's no penalty if the treatment is not preapproved." United decided to
"strongly . . . encourage the member to call prior to entering into treatment," but "to be
sure [it has not] crossed the line in terms of representing the benefit in a way that makes it

1
 Fradenburg was insured under this plan at all times relevant to the appeal. She changed
plans in late 2011.

                                                2.
sound stricter than the . . . medical necessity [limitation]." United's revised materials
informed members that benefits are not subject to preauthorization, but also advised
members that "[t]he best way to ensure services will be covered is to call [United] in
advance for preauthorization." (University of California, Behavioral Health Benefits for
Anthem Blue Cross PPO Members, Insured by United Healthcare Insurance Co. (Jan. 1,
2011) p. 9.)
                                   The 20-Plus Algorithm
               United initiated utilization reviews anytime a member's out-of-network
mental health treatment exceeded 20 sessions in a six-month period. A "20-plus
algorithm" automatically triggered these reviews. Previously, United used the algorithm
to manage in-network care. The 20-plus algorithm results in concurrent review and,
sometimes, a prospective decision that future treatment is not medically necessary or
should be limited in frequency.
               United's representative testified that application of the 20-plus algorithm to
out-of-network care was designed to decrease the administrative burden of reviews by
focusing on "outlier cases." Before the algorithm was implemented, United required out-
of-network providers to submit treatment reports for all mental health treatment. After
United implemented the algorithm, United did not require treatment reports for the first
20 sessions. The representative testified that "90 percent of all of our outpatient episodes
of care are completed in less than 20 sessions . . . nationally." An internal document
states that "80% of members completed out-of-network treatment within 20 sessions for
our customer University of California."
                           Coverage for Fradenburg's Treatment
               In 2011, Fradenburg's plan provided: "Out -of-Network Outpatient Mental
Health and Substance Abuse services are not subject to preauthorization, but must be
clinically necessary to be covered and are subject to retrospective review." Fradenburg
underwent mental health treatment for major depression with an out-of-network provider
four times per week. United reimbursed her $200 per session. After 20 sessions in a six-

                                              3.
month period, the 20-plus algorithm triggered a utilization review. United's
representative determined that psychotherapy four times per week was no longer
medically necessary. Thus, on September 26, 2011, United's representative notified
Fradenburg that it would cover one session per month going forward, after a transitional
month in which it would cover weekly sessions: "I have determined that coverage is
available under your benefit plan for your continuing outpatient treatment at the reduced
frequency of 1 time per week for 1 month then 1 time per month outpatient medication
management . . . thereafter." Fradenburg does not challenge United's medical necessity
determination.
               United denied Fradenburg's subsequent claims for mental health care
services on September 27, 28, 30, and thereafter. It explained: "This service has been
determined to not be medically necessary." In response, Fradenburg changed health care
plans. She declares that her new plan has a higher deductible and lower reimbursement
rates.
                                        The Complaint
               In her first cause of action for unfair business practices (Bus. & Prof. Code,
§ 17200 et seq.), Fradenburg contends that United's practice of conducting concurrent
reviews of ongoing treatment and imposing prospective limits on covered treatment is an
unfair practice because it effectively requires preauthorization after the 20th session, in
breach of the plan's terms. She also contends it violates California's parity laws by
"imposing restrictions on benefits" for members with mental illness that it does not
impose on members "with other kinds of illnesses."
               In her second cause of action for discrimination in violation of the Act (Civ.
Code, § 51), Fradenburg contends United's concurrent review practice intentionally
discriminates against people with severe mental illnesses by placing "discriminatory
restrictions . . . on their benefits." She contends the practice is "intended to give the . . .
illusion of impartiality, but the outcome is already determined: deny outright, or at least
severely and arbitrarily restrict, benefits for outpatient mental health treatment."

                                               4.
Fradenburg alleges that United's reviewing doctors have "made up their minds" before
they contact treating providers, they conduct reviews without contacting treating
providers, and they "misapply[] inpatient clinical guidelines to deny outpatient
treatments."
                                     The Proposed Class
               Fradenburg sues on behalf of herself and others similarly situated. She
seeks an injunction, restitution, and statutory damages of $4,000 for each violation of the
Act. She defines the class as members "whose benefits for mental health care were
insured or administered by [United], who sought benefits for outpatient mental health
treatments, whose requests for benefits were subjected to concurrent reviews, and whose
benefits for outpatient mental health treatments were subjected to prospective limits of
any kind." She also defines a subclass of such members who have severe mental
illnesses as listed in Health and Safety Code section 1374.72.
               United offers evidence that each utilization review involves the unique
clinical circumstances of the individual insured, and that the results of the reviews varied
depending on medical necessity. In some cases, it determined that weekly treatment was
necessary; in others it determined bi-weekly treatment was necessary; and in others it
determined monthly or every third week was necessary. In some cases, United
overturned its determination after a member appealed it. In some cases, it did not.
Fradenburg points out that the review and appeal processes impose a burden on the
insured and the treating provider.
                                 The Certification Decision
               The trial court denied Fradenburg's motion for class certification. The court
found that there is an ascertainable, numerous class with common interests. But it found
the claims are not amenable to class treatment because individual issues of medical
necessity predominate. It also found that Fradenburg did not introduce evidence
comparing United's handling of claims for treatment of mental illness to treatment for
other medical conditions.

                                             5.
                                       DISCUSSION
               Code of Civil Procedure section 382 authorizes class actions "when the
question is one of a common or general interest, of many persons, or when the parties are
numerous, and it is impracticable to bring them all before the court." The trial court
decides in its discretion whether a case is amenable to class treatment. "Because trial
courts are ideally situated to evaluate the efficiencies and practicalities of permitting
group action, they are afforded great discretion in granting or denying certification."
(Linder v. Thrifty Oil Co. (2000) 23 Cal.4th 429, 435.) We review the trial court's
determination for abuse of discretion. (Ibid.) We will not disturb a certification
determination that is supported by substantial evidence unless the court used improper
criteria or erroneous legal assumptions. (Ayala v. Antelope Valley Newspapers, Inc.
(2014) 59 Cal.4th 522, 530.) We ignore any unstated reasons that might have supported
the ruling. (Ibid.)
               The party seeking certification has the burden to establish the existence of
both an ascertainable class and a well-defined community of interest among class
members. (Sav-On Drug Stores, Inc. v. Superior Court (2004) 34 Cal.4th 319, 326.)
"Community of interest" involves three factors: (1) predominant common questions of
law or fact; (2) class representatives with claims or defenses typical of the class; and (3)
class representatives who can adequately represent the class. (Ibid.)
               The sole issue on appeal is whether there are predominant common
questions of law or fact. A court evaluating predominance "must determine whether the
elements necessary to establish liability are susceptible of common proof or, if not,
whether there are ways to manage effectively proof of any elements that may require
individualized evidence." (Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court (2012) 53 Cal.4th
1004, 1024.)
               State and federal parity laws require equivalent coverage for mental health
treatment and treatment of other medical conditions. (42 U.S.C. § 300gg-26; Health &
Saf. Code, § 1374.72.) California's parity legislation is based on findings that "[m]ost

                                              6.
private health insurance policies provide coverage for mental illness at levels far below
coverage for other physical illnesses." (Stats. 1999, ch. 534, § 1, subd. (b)(2).)
"Limitations in coverage for mental illness in private insurance policies have resulted in
inadequate treatment for persons with these illnesses." (Id., subd. (b)(3).) "Inadequate
treatment causes relapse and untold suffering for individuals with mental illness and their
families." (Id., subd. (b)(4).) Amici point out that people with severe mental illnesses
frequently benefit from longer term care.
              Visit limitations and preauthorization for mental health treatment may
violate parity laws if such restrictions do not apply to treatment for other medical
conditions. (See 26 C.F.R. § 54.9812-1(c)(4)(iii), example 1 [preauthorization
requirement can violate parity laws] & example 11 [visit limitations can violate parity
laws].) But California's parity law authorizes utilization reviews: "Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, in the provision of benefits required by this section, a health care
service plan may utilize case management, network providers, utilization review
techniques, prior authorization, copayments, or other cost sharing." (Health & Saf. Code,
§ 1374.72, subd. (g)(3).)
              Whether United violated the plan's terms and California's parity law
depends upon whether each member was entitled to claimed medically necessary
benefits. Parity laws apply only to medically necessary treatment. (Health & Saf. Code,
§ 1374.72, subd. (a) [health care plans must cover "medically necessary treatment of
severe mental illnesses . . . under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical
conditions"]; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 28, § 1300.74.72, subd. (a) [equivalent care is required
"when medically necessary"].) The plan covers only "clinically necessary" care. And
Fradenburg's claim that United discriminated against those with severe mental illnesses
depends upon proof that members were denied "full benefits under [the] Plan." Her
counsel explained, "We aren't challenging the finding of medical necessity in this
case. . . . We dropped breach of contract so we did not have to challenge medical
necessity." The complaint does not seek compensatory or non-economic damages.

                                             7.
              But the medical necessity issue is unavoidable. Even if Fradenburg could
establish that concurrent review is prohibited under the plan, she could not succeed on
either cause of action without proof that United denied medically necessary services as a
result of that review. Each member will be required to litigate the necessity of their
individual treatment in light of their diagnosis and unique clinical circumstances.
              The predominance inquiry calls for weighing costs and benefits. (Ayala v.
Antelope Valley Newspapers, Inc., supra, 59 Cal.4th 522, 539.) The ultimate question is
whether "'the issues which may be jointly tried, when compared with those requiring
separate adjudication, are so numerous or substantial that the maintenance of a class
action would be advantageous to the judicial process and to the litigants.'" (Brinker
Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court, supra, 53 Cal.4th at p. 1021.) A class action is not
inappropriate simply because each member of the class may at some point be required to
make an individual showing as to his or her eligibility for recovery or as to the amount of
his or her damages. (Sav-On Drug Stores, Inc. v. Superior Court, supra, 34 Cal.4th at p.
333.) On the other hand, "the community of interest requirement is not satisfied if every
member of the alleged class would be required to litigate numerous and substantial
questions determining his individual right to recover following the 'class judgment'
determining issues common to the purported class." (City of San Jose v. Superior Court
(1974) 12 Cal.3d 447, 459.) The trial court is in the best position to weigh the issues
presented and determine whether they are amenable to class treatment. It did not abuse
its discretion when it determined that individual issues of medical necessity predominate
and may not be effectively managed in a class action.
              This case is unlike Arce v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (2010) 181
Cal.App.4th 471, 478, in which the appellate court reversed an order sustaining a
demurrer without leave to amend a proposed class action. In Arce, the insurer
categorically denied behavioral and speech therapy for autism, irrespective of medical
necessity. In response to each claim, it asserted that the therapy was an excluded "non-
health care service[]," "academic or educational intervention[]," or "custodial care." (Id.

                                             8.
at p. 480.) The allegations presented a predominant common question because they
"would not . . . require the trial court to evaluate whether therapies are 'medically
necessary' for each member of the putative class." (Id. at p. 488.) Here, United denied
coverage solely on the ground that the ongoing treatment for a particular member was not
medically necessary. The members' claims cannot be resolved without litigating that
issue.
                                       DISPOSITION
              The order is affirmed. The parties shall bear their own costs on appeal.
              NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.

                                           GILBERT, P. J.

We concur:

              YEGAN, J.

              PERREN, J.

                                              9.
                                    Donna Geck, Judge

                           Superior Court County of Santa Barbara

                            ______________________________

              Cohen McKeon LLP, Michael L. Cohen, Heather M. McKeon; Psych-
Appeal, Inc., Meiram Bendat; Law Office of Lara M. Krieger, Lara M. Krieger for
Plaintiff and Appellant.
              Crowell & Moring LLP, J. Daniel Sharp, Jennifer Salzman Romano, for
Defendants and Respondents.
              Disability Rights California, Danieal Brzovi, Laura Reich; Mental Health
Advocacy Services, Inc., Jim Preis, Nancy Shea for California Psychiatric Association;
Project Return Peer Support Network; Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc.; and
Disability Rights California as Amici Curiae on behalf of Plaintiff and Appellant.

                                            10.