Aetna et al.

Aetna. Final approval had been granted to the $400-$450 million settlement of the class action lawsuit filed on behalf of more than 700,000 physicians. The suit claimed that the defendants had "violated contracts and defrauded doctors in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO)". The settlement calls for improvements to physician-related business practices and a National Advisory Committee of Practicing Physicians to provide advice to Aetna on issues of importance to physicians. (Oct-27-03)