LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Thursday that deputies in his office are launching an independent inquiry into how health management organizations (HMOs) review and pay insurance claims submitted by doctors, hospitals and other medical providers.

This investigation is prompted by reports that California's five largest health-insurance providers are denying insurance claims at rates of up to 39.6 percent.

"These high denial rates suggest a system that is dysfunctional, and the public is entitled to know whether wrongful business practices are involved," Brown said.

In the coming days and weeks, deputies will review records and will speak with individuals who have relevant knowledge of the issues raised.