The California Medical Association (CMA) recently sent a letter to Three Rivers Provider Network (TRPN) demanding that it cease engaging in an illegal check scheme in California. TRPN has been engaging in a deceptive business practice in the form of a $15 check being delivered to California physician practices, accompanied by complicated, vague and ambiguous “fine print” that purports to create a binding participation agreement if cashed by the practice.

TRPN claims that a physician who endorses and cashes the check has signed a unilateral provider participation contract of adhesion for consideration of a one-time $15 “license fee.” The contract includes onerous and burdensome terms that the vast majority of California physicians would not consider to be commercially reasonable.

CMA is working with regulators and consumer protection agencies on this issue and wants to hear from physician practices that are either contracted directly with TRPN or know of California licensed health plans that utilize the TRPN network. Physician practices with information are encouraged to contact CMA at (888)-401-5911 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.