Facing a torrent of criticism Tuesday, Blue Cross of California abruptly halted its practice of asking physicians in a letter to look for medical conditions that could be used to cancel patients’ insurance coverage. In a statement issued about 6 p.m., the state’s largest for-profit insurer said, ‘Today we reached out to our provider partners and California regulators and determined this letter is no longer necessary and, in fact, was creating a misimpression and causing some members and providers undue concern. ‘As a result, we are discontinuing the dissemination of this letter going forward.’ The announcement came after blistering rebukes Tuesday by physicians, patients, privacy experts and officials including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) after The Times disclosed the practice. The letter had been sharply criticized Monday by the California Medical Assn., and Tuesday night its president, Richard Frankenstein, said: ‘This letter was part of Blue Cross’ pattern of unfairly canceling policies when people need coverage most. We’re relieved that Blue Cross is ending this particular tactic but continue to have serious concerns about this company’s practices looking forward.’ Earlier in the day, Shannon Troughton, a spokeswoman for Blue Cross parent WellPoint […]