| " policy that threatens to fine doctors who repeatedly refer patients to out-of-network laboratories for tests, the " " the insurer's national in-network laboratory. "To squeeze as much savings as possible out of the LabCorp deal, UnitedHealth sent a not-so-friendly reminder to doctors to play along," the " " reports. The letter states that as of March 1, UnitedHealth will reserve the right to fine physicians $50, cut their fees or eliminate them from the UnitedHealth network if they consistently refer patients to out-of-network labs. The insurer has not yet imposed any financial sanctions. According to the " ", the policy marks the first time that physicians face fines for referring patients for out-of-network care or testing. AMA and several state medical societies have requested that UnitedHealth terminate the policy, and the New Jersey " " has said that it might be illegal. The company has temporarily suspended the policy in New Jersey. Many physicians argue that the policy disrupts patient care, particularly with regard to certain blood and tissue tests that have different methodologies at different labs. In addition, many allergists say that LabCorp rival " " -- which previously had a contract with UnitedHealth -- is the only national commercial lab that provides the leading blood test for allergies. Some physicians also argue that the
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