The Keystone Orthopaedic Associates and Orthopaedic Associates of Reading settled a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, according to JDSupra.
Here are five key notes:
1. The two practices were among the six in Berks County, Pa., that merged in 2011. The FTC filed a complaint believing the merger "eliminated competition among orthopedists in Berks County."
2. According to the complaint, Keystone employed 76 percent of the county's orthopedists. The merger could allow the new entity to "unilaterally raise prices for orthopedic services." The merger combined 19 of the 25 orthopedists into a single practice.
3. The FTC alleged there weren't merger-specific efficiencies that offset the "anti-competitive harm" from the merger. The Orthopaedic Associates later split off from Keystone in 2014.
4. The two groups are now required to obtain prior approval from the FTC before acquiring interests in each other or another orthopedic practice in the county under the settlement. Additionally, they must obtain approval before hiring or offering membership to new orthopedists in the county.
5. The settlement was designed to maintain competition, preserve Orthopaedic Associates' separation and allow health plans renegotiate existing Keystone contracts.