Summary
holding Dr. Laramore’s expert opinion is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact because "Dr. Laramore admits his opinion that PBT is superior for the risk of contracting secondary cancers is ‘theoretical’ ... [and he] based his opinion on the side effects from radiation to the rectal wall on one medical study"
Summary of this case from Strauss v. Premera Blue CrossOpinion
No. 74600-6-I
09-05-2017
John STRAUSS and Michelle Strauss, husband and wife, and their marital community, Appellants, v. PREMERA BLUE CROSS, Respondent.
Howard Mark Goodfriend, Smith Goodfriend PS, 1619 8th Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109-3007, Patrick A. Trudell, Kornfeld Trudell Bowen & Lingenbrink PLL, 3724 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E., Kirkland, WA, 98033-7802, for Appellants. Gwendolyn C. Payton, Lane Powell PC, P.O. Box 91302, 1420 5th Ave., Ste. 4200, Seattle, WA, 98111-9402, for Respondent.
Howard Mark Goodfriend, Smith Goodfriend PS, 1619 8th Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109-3007, Patrick A. Trudell, Kornfeld Trudell Bowen & Lingenbrink PLL, 3724 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E., Kirkland, WA, 98033-7802, for Appellants.
Gwendolyn C. Payton, Lane Powell PC, P.O. Box 91302, 1420 5th Ave., Ste. 4200, Seattle, WA, 98111-9402, for Respondent.
PUBLISHED OPINION
Schindler, J.
¶1 John Strauss and Michelle Strauss (collectively, Strauss) appeal summary judgment dismissal of the lawsuit against Premera Blue Cross for breach of contract, bad faith, and violation of the Consumer Protection Act, chapter 19.86 RCW. We affirm. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
¶2 In September 2008, doctors diagnosed 59-year-old John Strauss with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Strauss met with University of Washington urologist Dr. Daniel Lin on October 6. Dr. Lin described the treatment options of surgery or radiation. Dr. Lin noted Strauss had "quite a lot of questions about proton therapy versus standard radiation" because "he lives part of the year in Southern California" and "heard about the proton facility at Loma Linda Hospital." But Dr. Lin said the focus of the conversation was on surgery and the advantages of surgery. Dr. Lin referred Strauss to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance radiation oncologist Dr. Kenneth Russell to learn more about "radiation treatment options."
¶3 Dr. Russell met with Strauss and discussed the medical literature on "long-term results and short-term side effects" of surgery "versus radiation therapy." Strauss told Dr. Russell he was "very interested in pursuing proton therapy, as he lives 45 minutes from Loma Linda." Dr. Russell discussed proton beam therapy (PBT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Dr. Russell told Strauss there is a "lack of clear, long-term evidence showing improved side effect profile for patients who undergo proton therapy versus [IMRT]."
Premera Blue Cross Medical Insurance Policy
¶4 Strauss was insured by Premera Blue Cross (Premera) under the "Heritage Preferred Plus 20 Plan." The policy covered "medically necessary" treatment, including "radiation." The policy states benefits "must be, in our judgment, medically necessary." The policy states, in pertinent part:
WHAT ARE MY BENEFITS?
This section of your contract describes the specific benefits available for covered services and supplies. Benefits are available for a service or supply described in this section when it meets all of these requirements:
• It must be furnished in connection with either the prevention or diagnosis and treatment of a covered illness, disease or injury
• It must be, in our judgment, medically necessary and must be furnished in a medically necessary setting.
¶5 The policy defines "medically necessary" as in accord with generally accepted standards of medical practice and not more costly than an alternative treatment "at least as likely to produce equivalent" treatment results.
MEDICALLY NECESSARY
Those covered services and supplies that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury, disease or its symptoms, and that are:
• In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice;
• Clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration, and considered effective for the patient's illness, injury or disease; and
• Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician, or other health care provider, and not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient's illness, injury or disease.
For these purposes, "generally accepted standards of medical practice" means standards that are based on credible scientific evidence published in peer reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, physician specialty society recommendations and the views of physicians practicing in relevant clinical areas and any other relevant factors.
Prostate Cancer Guidelines
¶6 The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an organization that includes "the largest and best-known cancer centers" in the United States. The NCCN issues clinical practice guidelines that "describe best practices for cancer care." The NCCN guidelines "do not consider cost" and recommend all "available options that are supported by evidence."
¶7 The 2009 and 2010 NCCN "Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology" for prostate cancer do not mention PBT.
¶8 In 2015, the NCCN issued clinical oncology guidelines for prostate cancer and "Guidelines for Patients." The guidelines describe treatment options and the side effects of surgery; radiation therapy that uses "high-energy rays to treat cancer"; and photon radiation beams, "a stream of particles that have no mass or electric charge," including three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT ), IMRT, and "proton beams." The 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Patients describes the three radiation therapies as follows:
In 3D-CRT, the radiation beams match the shape of your tumor to avoid healthy tissues. IMRT is a more precise type of 3D-CRT that may be used especially for more aggressive prostate cancer. The radiation beam is divided into smaller beams, and the strength of each beam can vary.... Proton beams are a stream of positively charged particles that emit energy within a short distance.
¶9 The 2015 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (2015 Guidelines) state that "external beam radiation therapy" such as IMRT is "one of the principle treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer."
Over the past several decades, [radiation therapy] techniques have evolved to allow higher doses of radiation to be administered safely. [3D-CRT ] uses computer software to integrate CT [ ] images of the patients' internal anatomy in the treatment position, which allows higher cumulative doses to be delivered with lower risk of late effects. The second generation 3D technique, [IMRT], is used increasingly in practice because
compared to 3D-CRT, it significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal toxicities and rates of salvage therapy in some, but not all studies, although treatment cost is increased.[ ]
Computerized tomography.
Footnotes omitted.
¶10 According to the 2015 Guidelines, the attempt to use dosimetric or treatment plan studies to try to compare IMRT and PBT is not meaningful and does not favor one treatment over the other.
Proton Therapy
... Proponents of proton therapy argue that this form of radiation therapy could have advantages over X-ray (photon) based radiations in certain clinical circumstances. X-ray based therapies like IMRT and proton therapy can deliver highly conformal doses to the prostate. Proton-based therapies will deliver less radiation dose to some of the surrounding normal tissues like muscle, bone, vessels and fat not immediately adjacent to the prostate. These tissues do not routinely contribute to the morbidity of prostate radiation, are relatively resilient to radiation injury, and so the benefit of decreased dose to these types of normal, non-critical tissues has not been apparent. The critical normal structures adjacent to the prostate that can create prostate cancer treatment morbidity include the bladder, rectum, neurovascular bundles, and occasionally small bowel.
The weight of the current evidence about prostate cancer treatment morbidity supports the notion that the volume of the rectum and bladder that receives radiobiologically high doses of radiation near the prescription radiation dose is what accounts for the likelihood of long-term treatment morbidity, as opposed to higher volume lower dose exposures. Numerous dosimetric studies have been performed trying to compare X-ray based IMRT plans to proton therapy plans to illustrate how one or the other type of treatment can be used to spare the bladder or rectum from the higher dose parts of the exposure.... Although dosimetric studies in-silico can suggest that the right treatment planning can make an IMRT plan beat a proton therapy plan and vice-versa, they do not predict accurately clinically meaningful endpoints.
The 2015 Guidelines conclude that absent randomized clinical trials directly comparing IMRT and PBT, there is "no clear evidence supporting a benefit or decrement to proton therapy over IMRT for either treatment efficacy or long-term toxicity."
¶11 The 2015 Guidelines note that the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) evaluated PBT and concluded PBT " ‘for primary treatment of prostate cancer should only be performed within the context of a prospective clinical trial or registry.’ " The ASTRO policy on PBT states:
But the 2015 Guidelines also note there is currently an "ongoing prospective randomized trial accruing patients" to compare PBT to IMRT.
In the treatment of prostate cancer, the use of PBT is evolving as the comparative efficacy evidence is still being developed. In order for an informed consensus on the role of PBT for prostate cancer to be reached, it is essential to collect further data, especially to understand how the effectiveness of proton therapy compares to other radiation therapy modalities such as IMRT and brachytherapy. There is a need for more well-designed registries and studies with sizable comparator cohorts to help accelerate data collection. Proton beam therapy for primary treatment of prostate cancer should only be performed within the context of a prospective clinical trial or registry.
....
Don't routinely recommend proton beam therapy for prostate cancer outside of a prospective clinical trial or registry.
There is no clear evidence that proton beam therapy for prostate cancer offers any clinical advantage over other forms of definitive radiation therapy. Clinical trials are necessary to establish a possible advantage of this expensive therapy.
¶12 Consistent with the clinical oncology guidelines, the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Patients state, "To date, research hasn't shown that proton treatment is any better or worse for treating cancer or causing side effects."
¶13 The United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) also publishes guidelines for PBT. The AHRQ guideline states that "[m]embers of the working group do not currently recommend that patients with prostate cancer... be referred for proton beam radiotherapy, due to an insufficient evidence base."
Premera Medical Policy on PBT
¶14 In July 2009, Premera issued a "Corporate Medical Policy" on "Charged Particle (Proton or Helium Ion) Radiation Therapy" based on "careful review of published peer reviewed scientific literature, national guidelines and local standards of practice."
¶15 The policy describes clinical circumstances where PBT may be considered medically necessary.
Charged particle irradiation with proton or helium ion beams may be considered medically necessary in the following clinical situations:
• Primary therapy for melanoma of the uveal tract (iris, choroid, or ciliary body), with no evidence of metastasis or extrascleral extension, and with tumors up to 24 mm[ ] in largest diameter and 14[ ]mm in height.
• Postoperative therapy (with or without conventional high-energy X-rays) in patients who have undergone biopsy or partial resection of the chordoma or low grade (I or II) chondrosarcoma of the basisphenoid region (skull-base chordoma or chondrosarcoma ) or cervical spine. Patients eligible for this treatment have residual localized tumor without evidence of metastasis.
Millimeter.
¶16 By contrast, the medical policy states PBT is not medically necessary for those "with clinically localized prostate cancer because the clinical outcomes ... have not been shown to be superior to other approaches," such as IMRT.
Charged-particle radiation with proton beams using standard treatment doses may be considered not medically neces
sary in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer because the clinical outcomes with this treatment have not been shown to be superior to other approaches including [IMRT] or conformal radiation therapy yet [PTB] is generally more costly than these alternatives.
Denial of Request for PBT
¶17 On November 12, 2009, Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) radiation oncologist Dr. David Bush sent Premera a letter to obtain preauthorization of nine weeks of daily PBT for Strauss.
¶18 On November 18, Premera sent a letter to Strauss denying authorization of PBT. The letter states, in pertinent part:
Charged-particle irradiation with proton beams using standard treatment doses may be considered not medically necessary in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer because the clinical outcomes with this treatment have not been shown to be superior to other approaches including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or conformal radiation therapy yet proton beam therapy is generally more costly than these alternatives....
¶19 If you decide to receive this service, you will have to pay for it yourself. The letter provides a copy of the procedure for an internal appeal and for external review by an independent review organization (IRO).
Level I Appeal of Denial of PBT
¶20 On December 30, 2009, Strauss filed a "Level I Appeal." Strauss provided a letter from his cardiologist Dr. Douglas Stewart. Dr. Stewart admits there are no comparative studies for IMRT and PBT but states there is "strong preliminary evidence" that the side effects of PBT are "significantly lower." The letter states, in pertinent part:
Radiation therapy is recommended and exists in two forms, the currently practiced conventional therapy and a newer form, porton [sic] beam radiation.
Both techniques are approved. Comparative studies are not yet available. However, there is strong preliminary evidence that the side effects associated with [PBT] are significantly lower. As [Strauss'] cardiologist, considering his cardiac condition, I am advocating that he be approved for the [PBT].
¶21 Premera submitted the Level I Appeal to the Medical Review Institute of America Incorporated (MRIoA) for review by an independent radiation oncologist. WAC 284-43-3110(6) (formerly WAC 284-43-525 (2010) ) provides:
Review of adverse determinations must be performed by health care providers or staff who were not involved in the initial decision, and who are not subordinates of the persons involved in the initial decision. If the determination involves, even in part, medical judgment, the reviewer must be or must consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine encompassing the appellant's condition or disease and make a determination that is within the clinical standard of care for an appellant's disease or condition.[ ]
See also former WAC 284-43-630 (2008) ("Independent review of adverse determinations . Carriers must use the rotational registry system of certified independent review organizations (IRO) established by the commissioner.")
¶22 The MRIoA radiation oncologist concluded PBT was not medically necessary under the Premera policy. The January 8, 2010 report states, in pertinent part:
Conclusion/Decision to Not Certify:
Although there has been increased interest in the use of protons for the definitive treatment of prostate cancer recently, there is no evidence in the recent peer-reviewed medical literature of improved efficacy or reduced toxicity with the use of protons compared to photons. As protons are significantly more expensive, the treatment is defined as not medically
necessary in this particular case according to the plan language.[ ]
Premera denied the Level I Appeal.
The report cites a number of published medical articles and studies in support of its decision.
Level II Appeal of Denial of PBT
¶23 On March 2, 2010, Strauss filed a "Level II Appeal." Dr. Bush submitted a letter in support of the appeal. Dr. Bush states that unlike IMRT, a proton beam interacts with human tissue differently with "a relatively low ‘entrance dose.’ " By contrast, IMRT "x-rays ... deliver their highest dose relatively close to the skin surface." Dr. Bush acknowledged that IMRT is considered the " ‘gold standard’ " and that the medical studies he cites are not randomized studies that directly compare PBT and IMRT. But Dr. Bush states the "benefit of conformal treatment techniques has been clearly established in the treatment of prostrate and other cancers" and PBT represents "the ‘ultimate’ form of conformal treatment delivery because of their inherent superior dose deposition characteristics." Dr. Bush also states that "[p]ublished data from a number of institutions" demonstrates the "efficacy in controlling prostate cancer" and "minimal risk of moderate to severe morbidity."
¶24 Premera submitted the Level II Appeal to MRIoA. On April 6, a different MRIoA independent radiation oncologist concluded PBT was not medically necessary under the Premera policy.
Medical necessity is not met in that alternative treatments are available with similar efficacy and toxicity, but at a significant reduction in cost. Additionally, there is considerable controversy in the radiation oncology community as to whether proton treatments should be considered a medically necessary treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer, and it is therefore not in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice at this time. Therefore, proton
treatment is considered not medically necessary in this particular case.
....
Conclusion/Decision to Not Certify:
Although there has been increased interest in the use of protons for the definitive treatment of prostate cancer recently, there is no evidence in the recent peer-reviewed medical literature of improved efficacy or reduced toxicity with the use of protons compared to photons. As protons are significantly more expensive, the treatment is defined as not medically necessary in this particular case according to the plan language. The additional documents submitted do not change the initial determination.[ ]
The report cites a number of published medical articles and studies in support of its decision.
¶25 On April 9, a Premera appeal panel denied the request to approve payment of PBT for treatment of Strauss' intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer. The letter states, in pertinent part:
It is the decision of the appeal panel to deny your request for an exception in this case. Proton Beam therapy is not medically necessary as it is generally more costly than other traditional treatments, such as surgery or external radiation for localized prostate cancer.
....
Both the first and second independent review conducted by MRIoA supported the company's medical policy that Proton Beam Therapy is not medically necessary....
....
In addition to both MRIoA reports, I have enclosed a copy of the company's medical policy. Please note that Premera's medical policy was updated on treatment of prostate cancer with a literature search using PubMed [ ] through December 2009. The articles identified did not lead to any changes in the policy statement.
PubMed is an online database of biomedical literature, journal articles, and books.
IRO Review
¶26 Strauss requested an external review of the decision to deny coverage. On July 19, 2010, Premera requested external review of the Level II Appeal decision. Premera asked the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to select an IRO. The OIC designated Managing Care Managing Claims (MCMC) as the IRO. MCMC upheld the decision to deny coverage.
• "[T]he health plan should not cover the requested proton therapy."
• "Even though there are positive data available from Loma Linda and other centers for this technology in prostate cancer, other more established alternative treatments such as brachytherapy either with LDR [ ] or HDR [ ], IMRT and prostatectomy, have longer follow-up time and experience available and better known outcomes in terms of efficacy, toxicities and effects on quality of life."
• "Per NCCN, the recommended radiation therapy treatments for Prostate Cancer include 3D conformal therapy, IMRT and brachytherapy. There is no consensus or mentioning of Proton therapy."
• "A search in clinicaltrials.gov supports that this type of treatment is currently undergoing several phase II studies."
Low-dose rate.
High-dose rate.
¶27 The MCMC radiation oncologist concluded:
There are other standard treatment options available to the patient which he is a good candidate. These standard treatment options include radical prostatectomy either open or robotic (this was offered by patient's urologist), external beam radiotherapy either IMRT or 3D conformal therapy and brachytherapy either LDR or HDR. There is an abundance of medical data and experience to support these treatment options with known efficacy, toxicity, and quality of life. In contrast, clinical
evidence to support proton therapy for prostate cancer is limited in terms of efficacy, toxicity and effects on quality of life. A search in clinicaltrials.gov supports that this type of treatment is currently undergoing several phase II studies.
Per NCCN, the recommended radiation therapy treatments for Prostate Cancer include 3D conformal therapy, IMRT and brachytherapy. There is no consensus or mentioning of Proton therapy.[ ]
The report cites a number of published medical articles and studies in support of its decision.
¶28 Strauss decided to undergo PBT at LLUMC with Dr. Bush. Strauss began PBT treatment in February 2010 and successfully ended PBT in April 2010.
Complaint for Damages against Premera
¶29 On August 1, 2013, Strauss and his spouse Michelle Strauss (collectively, Strauss) filed a complaint for damages against Premera. Strauss alleged breach of contract, that the denial of coverage was "without reasonable justification and therefore in bad faith," and violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), chapter 19.86 RCW. Strauss sought damages for the cost of PBT, bad faith damages, and treble damages under the CPA.
¶30 In October 2015, Strauss' expert witness Dr. George Laramore, the former University of Washington Department of Radiation Oncology Chair, issued a 13-page report. The report describes the diagnosis and treatment of Strauss using PBT and cites medical studies to conclude PBT was medically necessary for Strauss. The report states:
Proton radiotherapy is a safe and effective form of treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer. It was an appropriate choice for Mr. Strauss. This is supported not only by the published literature at the time of his diagnosis but also in subsequent work. As such, it meets the standard of being "medically necessary."
¶31 Dr. Laramore concedes IMRT and PBT are equivalent in treating prostate cancer but states the two treatments are not equivalent "in terms of the side effect profile."
[W]hile IMRT and proton radiotherapy to biologically-equivalent tumor doses may be expected to give approximately the same tumor control probability, they are not equivalent in terms of the side effect profile and so the overall therapeutic results are not equivalent but would be better with proton radiotherapy.[ ]
Emphasis in original.
Dr. Laramore concedes there are no "direct randomized trials" comparing IMRT and PBT but states he can "infer the advantages and disadvantages" from medical studies.
¶32 On November 12, 2015, Premera expert Dr. Tomasz Beer, director of the prostate cancer research program at the Knight Cancer Institute of Oregon Health and Science University, issued a 23-page report addressing the use of PBT and IMRT for Strauss' localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Dr. Beer states that because IMRT is the standard treatment and PBT "has never been compared head to head to conventional [IMRT] therapy ..., it cannot be said that [PTB] is superior." Dr. Beer concludes the "available data are insufficient to make definitive statements about how proton therapy compares to IMRT with respect to side effects" and PBT "has not been shown to have a clinical advantage over other forms of radiation."
Proton therapy is not a standard treatment for prostate cancer and has never been studied in a proper randomized trial. It is probably reasonable to suspect that with regard to cancer control, proton therapy yields similar results to conventional therapy—although it would be correct to say we don't really know that to be true. The available data are insufficient to make definitive statements about how proton therapy compares to IMRT with respect to side effects—but one can safely conclude that there is no evidence of an advantage with respect to bladder and bowel side effects or other potential adverse effects. If there is a difference—which we do not know, the
data actually suggest a bit of an advantage for IMRT—although this is far from definitive. Authoritative bodies that are beyond reproach, such as the NCCN and [ASTRO] strongly agree that [PBT] has not been shown to have a clinical advantage over other forms of radiation. [PBT] is not a standard of care, and should not be recommended to patients outside of a properly designed clinical trial.
Motion for Summary Judgment Dismissal
¶33 Premera filed a motion for summary judgment dismissal of the lawsuit. Premera argued Strauss could not meet his burden to show PBT was "medically necessary" under the policy. Premera asserted there was no dispute that PBT is more costly than IMRT or that PBT and IMRT result in equivalent therapeutic outcomes. Premera pointed out there were no studies that directly compare PBT and IMRT. Premera also pointed out that Dr. Laramore admitted he did not consider the NCCN guidelines and instead relied on cross studies and theoretical models.
¶34 Premera submitted a number of exhibits, including the NCCN guidelines; the report of Dr. Beer; excerpts of depositions, including the deposition of Dr. Stewart, Dr. Bush, and Dr. Laramore; and the report of Prostate Cancer Center of Seattle Executive Director Dr. Peter Grimm.
¶35 Dr. Stewart testified that because there are "no randomized studies" that compare PBT and IMRT, he was "hesitant" to write the letter in support of Strauss' administrative appeal. Dr. Stewart said the "idea" of PBT having fewer side effects was "theoretical." Dr. Stewart testified that he wrote the letter based on "the hope that [PBT] would have fewer side effects."
¶36 Dr. Bush testified that there are no oncology guidelines that recommend PBT over IMRT. Dr. Bush testified there is a current ongoing randomized study but no published randomized studies directly comparing PBT and IMRT. Dr. Bush testified tumor control using PBT and IMRT is equivalent. With regard to whether "there is a difference in [PBT and IMRT] side effects," Dr. Bush testified, "[T]hat's a hard question to answer. There's data to support, I think, both sides."
You know, it can be demonstrated that less tissue gets radiated. That's something that's usually pretty easy to show and is, I think, agreed upon. To show that the side effects are, in a scientific way, right, that proves that side effects are substantially less with proton, I would say the evidence as of today is not as strong as we would like to see. It's something that's still evolving but there is some. There is some.
Dr. Bush agreed that many of the medical studies he relied on were based on theoretical models. ¶37 Dr. Laramore also testified that medical studies show "equivalent control" of prostate cancer with PBT and IMRT. But Dr. Laramore believed there were fewer side effects from PBT. Dr. Laramore testified that PBT was superior in "maintaining sexual potency with testosterone levels not falling with protons, but falling with IMRT," and there were fewer risks of secondary cancer. Dr. Laramore testified PBT is more costly than IMRT.
¶38 Dr. Laramore conceded he did not rely on the NCCN guidelines in preparing his report and reaching his conclusions. Dr. Laramore testified there "has not been the gold standard of a randomized study" and because "there have been no randomized trials at this stage," he had "to look at literature and kind of infer differences."
¶39 Dr. Grimm addressed Dr. Laramore's report and deposition testimony. Dr. Grimm agreed that "there have not been randomized studies to directly compare Proton therapy with IMRT" and that PBT and IMRT "have the same cancer control rate at 5 years out from treatment." Dr. Grimm agreed PBT "was a reasonable choice of treatment" for Strauss but states PBT was "not medically necessary" under the policy.
¶40 Dr. Grimm described the limitations of the studies Dr. Laramore relies on to support his opinion that PBT has fewer side effects than IMRT. For example, Dr. Grimm states:
[T]he Shipley article ... was a comparison between two similarly dosed patients groups, one receiving proton boost of 25.2 Gy[ ] after 50.4 Gy conformal photon therapy and the other receiving a similar photon therapy followed by 1.8 Gy photon conformal treatment (not IMRT). The study stated, "We found no significant differences in [overall survival], [disease specific survival], TRFS [ ] or local control between the two arms." [TRFS] was defined as clinically free, prostate specific antigen (PSA) less than 4 [nanogram]/[milliliter] and a negative prostate rebiopsy. Only a small select group was found to have an improvement in local control, i.e. poorly differentiated cancer. As previously noted by Dr[.] Laramore, the control rate for IMRT and protons in the current era are similar. This study evaluated different doses and techniques than those delivered today, and different from those delivered when Mr. Strauss was treated. Therefore, this observation should not be construed as any advantage of protons over IMRT, particularly as the doses given for both IMRT and protons currently prescribed and as were given for Mr. Strauss are the same and would be expected to have the same cancer control outcomes.
....
... The PROG study compared two Proton doses schedules, 79.2 Gy vs 70.2 Gy which determined the 79 Gy arm had better cancer control. This 79 Gy arm had an 83% long term 10 year biochemical control rate for low risk disease, similar to current IMRT results.[ ]
Gray.
Total recurrence-free survival.
Footnotes omitted.
¶41 With respect to sexual function side effects, Dr. Grimm states:
Sexual function comparisons, as reported here by Dr[.] Laramore, used general terms and are not stratified by age, or other factors which have a bearing on long term sexual function. There is no data presented here that suggests that protons
have a documented improved ability to avoid dose to the penile bulb better than IMRT. Dose to the penile bulb is a targeting issue not a specific treatment issue. It is not necessary to treat the penile bulb under either treatment. While the lowering of testosterone may be due to scattered radiation, the effect is temporary for IMRT and testosterone levels return to near normal within 1 year with both treatments ....
....
... Dr. Laramore states that the effect on testosterone is greater with IMRT than with surgery. However the effect is ... very short lived, with testosterone typically returning to near pretreatment levels within
a year with either modality .... Potency rates issues suggesting better potency in proton patients in Hoppe reference were short term and the study was only in healthy men less than 60 years old, a highly select group, and not a comparable group to the general IMRT population. Dr. Laramore admits there may be a mismatch between any comparison.[ ]
Footnote omitted.
¶42 As to Dr. Laramore's opinion on secondary malignancy, Dr. Grimm states:
Regarding secondary malignancies, there are no direct comparisons of the risk of secondary malignancies between IMRT and protons. The one attempt at comparison, the Fontenot article, was an article based on conjectural evidence on dose estimates from 3 patients and applying a theoretical model of presumed, not actual dose to patients from IMRT. Not a scientific study.[ ]
Footnote omitted.
¶43 Premera also relied on a federal district court case that addressed the exact same "medically necessary" policy language and the expert testimony of Dr. Laramore on side effects. See Baxter v. MBA Group Insurance Trust Health and Welfare Plan, 958 F.Supp.2d 1223 (W.D. Wash. 2013). In Baxter, the court concluded on summary judgment that the plaintiff could not show there was a genuine issue of material fact as to "whether proton therapy is superior to IMRT." Baxter, 958 F.Supp.2d at 1237-38.
Plaintiff has not met his burden to show that there is a genuine issue of material fact whether proton therapy is superior to IMRT. The current non-randomized observational studies demonstrate that proton therapy provides equivalent treatment to IMRT in terms of cancer control and side-effects. Plaintiff focuses on studies involving mathematical modeling that show that the long-term risk of developing a secondary malignancy may be higher with proton therapy.... No study cited by either party provides statistically significant evidence that one therapy is superior to the other.
Baxter, 958 F.Supp.2d at 1237-38.
¶44 In opposition to summary judgment, Strauss argued there were genuine issues of material fact as to whether PBT is medically necessary—"at the very least ... there are questions of fact on whether Proton Beam Radiation Therapy is superior to IMRT as far as side effects." Strauss submitted the letter from Dr. Bush in support of the Level II Appeal, the medical studies cited by Dr. Bush, the report and declaration of Dr. Laramore, and excerpts of depositions, including the deposition of Dr. Bush, Dr. Laramore, and Strauss.
¶45 In reply, Premera argued reliance on medical experts' theoretical assumptions and inferences on side effects did not establish PBT was medically necessary or create a material issue of fact.
¶46 The court granted the motion for summary judgment and dismissed the lawsuit.
Appeal
¶47 Strauss argues the court erred in granting summary judgment dismissal of his lawsuit. We review summary judgment de novo. Hartley v. State, 103 Wash.2d 768, 774, 698 P.2d 77 (1985). Summary judgment is appropriate when there is no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. CR 56(c).
¶48 The defendant on summary judgment has the burden of showing the absence of evidence to support the plaintiff's case. Young v. Key Pharms., Inc., 112 Wash.2d 216, 225, 770 P.2d 182 (1989). Once the moving party shows an absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden shifts to the nonmoving party. Young, 112 Wash.2d at 225, 770 P.2d 182.
¶49 While we construe the evidence and reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, if the nonmoving party " ‘fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial,’ " summary judgment is proper. Young, 112 Wash.2d at 225, 770 P.2d 182 (quoting Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986) ); Jones v. Allstate Ins. Co., 146 Wash.2d 291, 300-01, 45 P.3d 1068 (2002). Questions of fact may be determined on summary judgment as a matter of law where reasonable minds could reach but one conclusion. Smith v. Safeco Ins. Co., 150 Wash.2d 478, 485, 78 P.3d 1274 (2003).
¶50 The nonmoving party may not rely on speculation to create a material issue of fact. Ranger Ins. Co. v. Pierce County, 164 Wash.2d 545, 552, 192 P.3d 886 (2008). "[M]ere allegations, denials, opinions, or conclusory statements" do not establish a genuine issue of material fact. Int'l Ultimate, Inc. v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 122 Wash.App. 736, 744, 87 P.3d 774 (2004).
¶51 Interpretation of an insurance contract is a question of law that we also review de novo. Overton v. Consol. Ins. Co., 145 Wash.2d 417, 424, 38 P.3d 322 (2002) ; Quadrant Corp. v. Am. States Ins. Co., 154 Wash.2d 165, 171, 110 P.3d 733 (2005). We construe insurance policies as contracts. Kut Suen Lui v. Essex Ins. Co., 185 Wash.2d 703, 710, 375 P.3d 596 (2016). The principles of contract interpretation apply. Quadrant Corp., 154 Wash.2d at 171, 110 P.3d 733. If the language in an insurance contract is not ambiguous, the court must enforce it as written. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Ruiz, 134 Wash.2d 713, 721, 952 P.2d 157 (1998).
¶52 Under RCW 48.18.520, we construe an insurance contract according to the entirety of its terms and conditions as set forth in the policy and as modified by any endorsement made a part of the policy. Kut Suen Lui, 185 Wash.2d at 711, 375 P.3d 596. If a term is defined in a policy, the term should be interpreted in accordance with that policy definition. Kitsap County v. Allstate Ins. Co., 136 Wash.2d 567, 576, 964 P.2d 1173 (1998).
¶53 Insurance policies are liberally construed to provide coverage wherever possible. W. Nat'l Assurance Co. v. Shelcon Constr. Grp. LLC, 182 Wash.App. 256, 261, 332 P.3d 986 (2014). The party seeking to establish coverage bears the initial burden of proving coverage under the policy. Pleasant v. Regence Blue Shield, 181 Wash.App. 252, 261-62, 325 P.3d 237 (2014).
¶54 If the insured claims the insurer denied coverage unreasonably in bad faith, then the insured must come forward with evidence that the insurer acted unreasonably. Smith, 150 Wash.2d at 486, 78 P.3d 1274. The insurer is entitled to summary judgment if reasonable minds could not differ that its denial of coverage was based upon reasonable grounds. Smith, 150 Wash.2d at 486, 78 P.3d 1274.
¶55 Strauss contends the testimony of Dr. Bush and Dr. Laramore and the peer-reviewed medical studies they relied on create a genuine issue of material fact as to whether PBT results in fewer side effects and is medically necessary under the language of the Premera policy.
¶56 The January 1, 2008 Premera contract endorsement defines "medically necessary" services as "not more costly than an alternative service ... at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient's illness, injury or disease."
(Emphasis added.) As previously noted, the policy defines "generally accepted standards of medical practice" as follows:
For these purposes, "generally accepted standards of medical practice" means standards that are based on credible scientific evidence published in peer reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, physician specialty society recommendations and the views of physicians practicing in relevant clinical areas and any other relevant factors.
¶57 Strauss does not dispute that PBT is more costly than IMRT or that PBT and IMRT are equally effective in treating prostate cancer. Therefore, Strauss concedes he must show PBT results in superior or fewer side effects than IMRT.
There is no dispute that PBT was "[c]linically appropriate" and complied with "generally accepted standards of medical practice."
¶58 The testimony of Dr. Laramore and Dr. Bush and the peer-reviewed medical studies they rely on do not create a material issue of fact on side effects. The undisputed record establishes there were no published clinical studies directly comparing PBT and IMRT. Accordingly, Dr. Laramore and Dr. Bush cite published medical studies to support the opinion that PBT results in fewer side effects than IMRT. Dr. Laramore and Dr. Bush draw inferences from the studies and theoretical models to conclude PBT is superior to IMRT. Dr. Laramore testified that "because there ... have been no randomized trials at this stage[,] ... that's what I mean by having to look at literature and kind of infer differences." Dr. Laramore admits his opinion that PBT is superior for the risk of contracting secondary cancers is "theoretical." Dr. Laramore testified that he based his opinion on the superiority of PBT over IMRT regarding sexual potency on the "assumptions" that "patient groups are basically equivalent" across two different studies. Dr. Laramore based his opinion on the side effects from radiation to the rectal wall on one medical study.
¶59 Because the record establishes there are peer-reviewed medical studies that show the side effects of PBT may be superior to IMRT and other peer-reviewed medical studies that show the side effects of IMRT may be superior to PBT, reasonable minds could only conclude that absent clinical evidence directly comparing PBT and IMRT, the treatments are equivalent and Strauss cannot show PBT was medically necessary. See also Baxter, 958 F.Supp.2d at 1234 (rejecting argument that the side effects of PBT are superior to IMRT).
¶60 We affirm summary judgment dismissal of the lawsuit for breach of contract, bad faith, and violation of the CPA.
We therefore deny Strauss' request for attorney fees on appeal.
WE CONCUR:
Mann, J.
Appelwick, J.