The Federal Trade Commission and physician practice

Obtaining the best possible managed care contracts is important to physicians. Banding together with other practices to obtain more favorable payment could seem a legitimate business prac tice. Physicians competing in the same specialty in a market area must be acutely aware of federal antitrust rules to avoid improper collusion. The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing collaborative activities and seeking settlement agreements with physician organizations it determines have violated antitrust laws and regulations. Physicians and administrators should be aware of these actions, know what triggers a review, and understand what collaborative activities they may participate in to further their business interests. This article reviews Federal Trade Commission application of federal antitrust rules and recent advisory opinions, and their implications for practice.