UnitedHealth directly competes with U.S. Anesthesia, according to the Texas lawsuit, through an ownership interest in Sound Physicians, a large medical practice that provides emergency and anesthesiology services. The major insurer throws its weight around in other ways, the lawsuit claims. It is standard practice, United said, for an insurer to encourage the use of hospitals and doctors within its network. The company says it plans to add more than 10,000 employed or affiliated doctors this year. The relationship between insurers and providers has become more complicated as more insurance carriers own doctors’ groups or clinics.

Source: New York Times April 01, 2021 21:11 UTC