Art, name any industry. There are going to be abuses against individuals by companies in that industry. I t's just the way of things. FORTUNATELY for all of us, though, the HMO's REALLY overdid it and got it handed to them with the bi-partisan bill that became law a few months ago. Among many other things it requires them to make more timely payments to doctors & hospitals. You should get a copy of the law and read it. Your Congressperson can help. It looks like a good one to me. B. Bruce Anderson (52, 4) Schooley's Mtn., NJ [log in to unmask]