Why the FTC has declared war on doctors.

Abstract

In this article, the Washington editor of MEDICAL ECONOMICS reviews the salient actions taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against medical societies, physician directors of Blue Shield organizations, Health Systems Agencies, and Professional Services Review Organizations. When interviewed, top-ranking FTC staff officers responded to specific questions regarding the concerns of the agency. The FTC regards the practice of medicine as an activity in which competition must be protected. Thus, the restriction of advertising, setting of free schedules, limitation on the number of physicians, and exclusion of other health-care providers or organizations is regarded as anti-competitive and merits intervention by the FTC. The staff members acknowledge that the Congress may enact laws to control health care costs which would permit practices that the FTC would oppose in the absence of such legislation.