The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has called on the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division to investigate the conduct of an insurer it says is engaging in anti-competitive conduct.
The ASA has called for an investigation into the conduct of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), which the organization claims is terminating participating provider agreements with anesthesia practices at a high rate.
“High-quality, affordable anesthesia care is crucial for patient care,” said Dr. Beverly K. Philip, ASA president. “UnitedHealth Group’s terminations of participating provider agreements with ASA member anesthesia practices are harming competition by forcing willing anesthesia practices ‘out of network.’ This results in higher out-of-pocket costs and reduced numbers of in-network anesthesiologists for patients, especially where UnitedHealth Group can do this to favor its own employed anesthesiologists.”
In a letter to the acting assistant attorney general, ASA said that since UHG is vertically integrated, it has both the ability and the incentive to leverage its UnitedHealthcare (UHC) subsidiary’s status as an insurer, including to unfairly favor Optum, UHG’s healthcare-provider subsidiary, and its own anesthesiologists.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
DOJ and FTC Introduce Website for Reporting Anti-Competitive Healthcare Practices
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
US Congress Advances Legislation to Compel TikTok Sale
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
UK Financial Sector Advocates Enhanced Regulatory Accountability
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Google and All 50 States Defend $700 Million Consumer Settlement
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Colorado Enacts First Law to Protect Consumer Brainwave Data
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – China Edition – Year of the Dragon
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Review Logic and Rules for Concentrations of Undertakings that Do Not Meet the Standard of Notification
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
China’s Review of Semiconductor Transactions
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Key Challenges and Tips for Merger Control Filing in China for Listed Companies
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Key Point Review: China SPC Antitrust Judgments in 2023
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI