WA STATE DOCTORS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS BATTLE OVER REFERRALS

By Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews staff March 3, 2008.

A legal dispute in Washington state has doctors worried that their
ability to employ other licensed medical professionals -- and ultimately
compete in health care -- may be compromised. The owner of a physical
therapy group is suing an orthopedic practice, saying the doctors are
profiting illegally from referrals they make to physical therapists who
work for them. Columbia Physical Therapy also claims that state law
prohibits Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates in Kennewick, Wash.,
from hiring physical therapists at all. Both sides are asking the
Washington Court of Appeals to clarify the issue. Judges have yet to
decide whether to accept the case.   [...] Physicians worry that a lawsuit will

 hurt competition and continuity of care.

Read the entire article in American Medical News:

www.amednews.com/2008/gvsc0303