When Hospitals Mandate Where Patients Are Treated

... it can lead to conspiracy and racketeering charges.

From a letter from the Chairman of the Board of Citizens Medical Center to one of the cardiologists filing suit:

"While it is certainly your right to exercise your medical judgement as you see fit, likewise, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors at Citizens Medical Center to exercise their judgement as to what is in the interest of the business of Citizens Medical Center and its patients and Medical Staff. It is the Board's firm belief that it is in the best interest of Citizens Medical Center for patients who are capable of being treated at Citizens Medical Center to be treated at Citizens Medical Center and not be transferred elsewhere."

Business interests before doctor-patient interests?

Ouch.

-Wes