Healthcare Dispute Resolution

The AAA administers healthcare arbitration and mediation services for a broad spectrum of disputes. These disputes include complex transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures in the healthcare sector; conflicts between healthcare payors and providers, such as claims reimbursement, 340 B programs, licensing, and outsourcing agreements; and technology conflicts around healthcare software and other tech. The AAA also handles employment/workplace and partnership disputes within the healthcare industry. 

The AAA’s national Healthcare Panel includes healthcare in-house and outside counsel, former judges, nurses, administrators, executives, accountants and other healthcare professionals who bring first-hand knowledge and expertise to healthcare arbitration and mediation. 

Healthcare arbitration cases with the AAA include administrative fees and arbitrator compensation and, at times, expenses. Administrative fees are based on the amount of any filed claim or counterclaim and are to be paid by the party bringing the claim or counterclaim at the time the demand or claim is filed. Administrative fees are based on the AAA’s Commercial Arbitration Fee Schedule. To calculate your estimated administrative fees, visit our Arbitration Administrative Fee Calculator. 

Healthcare mediation cases with the AAA require a $250 non-refundable deposit, applied toward the administrative fee, to begin the AAA’s administration of the mediation and appointment of the mediator. The mediator’s compensation rate is listed on the resume included in the mediator’s AAA profile. The AAA administrative fee, split equally by the parties, is $75 per hour billed by the mediator, with a minimum four-hour charge for any mediation. 

To file a healthcare arbitration case with the AAA, one party must submit a Demand for Arbitration form, a copy of the arbitration provision naming the AAA or the AAA’s rules from the parties’ contract, and the appropriate filing fee. If the parties did not previously agree to arbitrate, they must provide a Submission to Dispute Resolution form in place of the arbitration provision.

To file a healthcare mediation case with the AAA, one party must submit a Request for Mediation form, a copy of the mediation provision from the parties’ contract calling for AAA-administered mediation, and the appropriate filing fee. The party initiating the mediation shall simultaneously notify the other party or parties of the request. If there is no contract clause providing for mediation with the AAA, the parties must provide a Submission to Mediation form instead.

You can file your case online quickly, easily, and securely using our AAA WebFile® platform. While generally no other documentation is required to initiate a case, the parties can exchange information and documents relevant to the case during the proceedings.

Yes, healthcare providers and insurers/health plans may include AAA arbitration and mediation clauses in their contracts.

These provisions apply only to disputes that are legally eligible for alternative dispute resolution, and certain matters may not be appropriate for arbitration. Applicable state laws and other legal considerations may also affect the enforceability or scope of such clauses. Parties should consult the applicable AAA Rules and Procedures for additional guidance.