Ross-Lee B, Kiss L E, Weiser M A
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens 45701-2979, USA.
J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1995 Nov;95(11):670-5.
After reviewing the history of antitrust legislation and established zones of safety for providers and the application of antitrust laws to the healthcare industry in two earlier installments, the authors explore the consequences of the vigorous application of antitrust laws to physician networking, with an emphasis on rural communities. They review common exemptions to antitrust laws that maintain the uneven distribution of power in the evolving healthcare market. Acknowledging the tenuous ground that providers hold in the struggle for control of the healthcare industry, the authors argue for greater consideration of the unique circumstances and barriers that tend to prohibit the formation of strong, physician-sponsored, integrated healthcare networks. The authors have tested the climate for relief from the antitrust enforcement agencies in Washington, DC, and have found no easing of antitrust legislation forthcoming. However, following the resolution of several antitrust cases in recent months, barriers to physician-led organizations appear to be lessening. The authors close with a review of several strategies to minimize the risk of antitrust challenges.
在前两期回顾了反垄断立法的历史、为医疗服务提供者确立的安全区以及反垄断法在医疗行业的应用之后，作者探讨了对医生网络大力实施反垄断法的后果，重点关注农村社区。他们审视了反垄断法的常见豁免情况，这些豁免维持了不断演变的医疗市场中权力的不均衡分配。作者认识到医疗服务提供者在争夺医疗行业控制权的斗争中所处的脆弱地位，主张更多地考虑那些往往阻碍强大的、由医生主导的综合医疗网络形成的独特情况和障碍。作者考察了向华盛顿特区的反垄断执法机构寻求救济的氛围，发现反垄断立法不会放松。然而，在最近几个月几起反垄断案件得到解决之后，医生主导组织面临的障碍似乎在减少。作者最后回顾了几种将反垄断挑战风险降至最低的策略。
