LOS ANGELES (CN) - Methodist Hospital of Southern California accuses Kaiser of owing more than $1.6 million in unpaid reimbursements, in a Los Angeles County Superior Court complaint.

     Methodist Hospital sued Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company for quantum meruit and California Health and Safety Code violations.

     According to its lawsuit, Methodist Hospital, in Arcadia, provided healthcare for hundreds of patients who are members of Kaiser’s health plan, during 2012 and 2013.

     “By its words and/or conduct, Kaiser requested that Methodist Hospital provide the patients with medically necessary treatment and services. Acting pursuant to Kaiser’s implied and/or express request, Methodist Hospital provided the patients with medically necessary care. Methodist Hospital’s rendering of medical care to Kaiser’s members – i.e., the patients – was intended to, and did, benefit the patients and therefore Kaiser. When providing the patients with medically necessary care, Methodist Hospital reasonably believed it would be fully compensated by Kaiser,” Methodist Hospital’s complaint states.

     When Methodist Hospital billed Kaiser, Kaiser paid some of the money, but not all, according to the complaint.

     Methodist Hospital says Kaiser still owes $874,811.35 for services to these Kaiser members, plus an additional $810,265.70 for emergency services to Kaiser members.

     Methodist Hospital seeks both sums plus interest at the rate of 10-15 percent and costs of suit. Methodist Hospital is represented by Christine V. Nitoff of Stephenson, Acquisto & Colman in Burbank.