Methodist files anti-trust suit against OSF
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- Published on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 18:07
- Written by Paul Gordon
Methodist Medical Center has filed an antitrust lawsuit against its cross-town competitor, OSF Healthcare System-Saint Francis Medical Center.
In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Peoria by Methodist's parent company, Methodist Health Services Corp., the medical center alleges that OSF "has engaged in anti-competitive conduct affecting several major commercial insurers that violates the federal antitrust laws, as well as other provisions of Illinois law."
The lawsuit further contends that OSF's "exclusionary conduct limits patients' choice and prevents normal market forces from producing the best healthcare price, quality and service for consumers."
Methodist is seeking damages in excess of $100 million and an injunction against OSF to stop from the anti-competitive conduct.
Debbie Simon, president and CEO of Methodist Medical Center, said her organization has tried to resolve the situation without legal action, but to no avail.
"We are taking this step only after many years of attempting to resolve the situation without legal action, including a recent conversation with OSF leaders. We at Methodist believe strongly that fair and open competition is needed to ensure patients receive the best price, quality and service in healthcare," Simon said.
OSF had little to say about the lawsuit on Tuesday since it had just been filed, said Jim Farrell, senior vice president of marketing and communications.
"We were informed this afternoon that Methodist Health Services Corporation has filed an anti-trust lawsuit against OSF Healthcare System. It will take some time for our legal counsel to review the 39-page complaint. So, we are not in a position to respond at this time," Farrell said.
