Calif. Insurance Commissioner Joins In Lawsuit Against Sutter Health

   LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has filed to intervene in a lawsuit that alleges Sutter Health hospitals engaged in false billing practices for anesthesia services.

   Jones says through false and overblown bills, Sutter allegedly bilked patients out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

   Sutter spokesman Bill Gleeson denies the allegations, saying the plaintiffs in the lawsuit haven't provided evidence to support their claims of billing improprieties.

   Sutter is one of the largest hospital chains in California.

   The commissioner's motion was filed Wednesday and will be heard May 5.

   The case will be decided by a jury in Sacramento.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)