AMA urges OK for local fee review; medical society panel could set pace for aggressive self-regulation

Article Abstract:

The Chicago Medical Society and the AMA have asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for permission to set up a peer review committee to investigate complaints about physicians' fees. The plan would cover all members of the Chicago society, and the committee would have disciplinary powers. Patient complaints would first be mediated by a grievance committee, and then results would be reviewed by the peer review panel. Previously, this type of peer review has met disapproval by the FTC because of antitrust law.

Analysis, Planning, Medical fees, Peer review committees

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AMA, state society on opposite sides

Article Abstract:

The Medical Society of New Jersey disagrees with the AMA's position that it is unethical for physicians to refer patients to medical facilities in which the physicians have financial interest, but in which they do not provide care. The NJ society claims the referral is permissible if the doctor informs the patient about ownership of the facilities and available alternatives. Medicare prohibits self-referral, and members of Congress are considering extending the prohibition.

Standards, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Ethical aspects, Medical referral, American Medical Association. Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, Medical Society of New Jersey

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FTC OKs network with fee-for-service component

Article Abstract:

The US Federal Trade Commission will allow the Hematology/Oncology Care Specialists of Western Pennsylvania to provide hematology/oncology services with a capitation arrangement and drug therapy in a discounted fee-for-service arrangement. This ruling resulted because drug therapy is an ancillary service and is used in only 20% of cases. The American Medical Assn has attempted to increase risk sharing services in medical networks.

Professional Organizations, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Specialty hospitals exc. psychiatric, Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals, Medical Associations, Specialty Hospitals, Services, Marketing, Hospitals, United States. Federal Trade Commission, Oncologists, Medical societies

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