Tensions are rising after Santa Fe, N.M.-based Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center revoked privileges for two orthopedic physicians and three pain specialists with Santa Fe-based Nexus Health, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported April 20.
The hospital said in letters that the move was "administrative in nature" but the physician group described it as "anti-competitive," the report said. A spokesperson for the hospital said those services would be provided by physicians who are employed or under contract.
Hospital leaders defended the move in emails to The Santa Fe New Mexican.
Nexus Health and Christus St. Vincent have had an ongoing dispute over the last two years after Nexus was formed from a practice that used to be a partner with the hospital. Both groups have had disagreements about contracts, physician poaching and patient care.
Nexus Health President Scott Herbert, MD, said he and four affected physicians asked the hospital to reconsider the decision and may explore other options if the request isn't granted.