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Posted: Friday, October 26th, 2012 8:55 AM HST

Queen's Medical Center files Kaiser lawsuit

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Queen's Medical Center is suing Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. alleging that it has been underpaid for care given to members of the health maintenance organization. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser says the medical center filed a lawsuit in federal court this month suing Kaiser for more than $4 million. Kaiser has an arrangement with the medical center by which Kaiser members can go to Queen's for services not available at Kaiser. The medical center says Kaiser has been paying a discounted rate for its members and wants Kaiser to make up the difference. Queen's also is asking that Kaiser pay unspecified punitive damages. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Vice President Sharon Thomson says the company values its relationship with Queens. Queen's spokeswoman Makana McClellan says it doesn't comment on pending litigation.