Montana Associated Physicians, Inc.; Billings Physician Hospital Alliance, Inc.; Analysis to Aid Public Comment

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In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would prohibit, among other things, two organizations of Billings, Montana physicians from negotiating or refusing to deal with third-party payers; determining the terms upon which physicians deal with such payers; or fixing the fees charged for any physicians's services. The agreement settles allegations that the respondents obstructed the entry of managed care plans into Billings, agreed on prices that they would accept from third-party payers, and otherwise acted to thwart cost-containment measures. According to the Commission, these actions resulted in higher prices and fewer health care choices for patients of Billings physicians.