California doctors balk at request for data

Blue Cross of California is sending physicians copies of health insurance applications filled out by new patients, along with a letter advising them that the company has a right to drop members who fail to disclose "material medical history." The letter is not sitting well with physicians, who say Blue Cross is asking doctors to violate the sacred trust of patients by disclosing medical information that patients would expect their doctors to handle with the utmost secrecy and confidentiality.