North Shore-LIJ Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Dowling issued the following statement today in response to New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s settlement on Monday with Cigna HealthCare, creating a new model for physician ranking programs. www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2007/oct/oct29a_07.html

“On behalf of the North Shore LIJ Health System, I want to congratulate Attorney General Cuomo for bringing together consumer advocates, medical organizations and insurers to pioneer a ground-breaking process for doctor ranking programs. As the president and CEO of the largest integrated healthcare network in New York State, I know firsthand that a doctor ranking program can only be effective if it judiciously balances the interests of patients, doctors and insurers; Attorney General Cuomo’s plan does exactly that.

“The collaborative process guided by Attorney General Cuomo has led to a plan based on the principles of accuracy, transparency and oversight. It ensures both patients and doctors will know the criteria upon which doctors are ranked, allowing patients to understand how to evaluate the doctor rankings and enabling doctors to make certain the rankings are fair. The integrity of the program is further secured by the position of the Ratings Examiner, who will regularly report to the Attorney General’s office.

“Both the doctor ranking plan and the inclusive process that led to its development should serve as national models for the healthcare industry. I commend Attorney General Cuomo and his staff for their great success.”

Contact: Terry Lynam (516) 465-2640/2600