A federal judge has recommended University of Pittsburgh Medical Center continue its “Keep Your Doctor” campaign, much to the disappointment of Pittsburgh-based insurer Highmark, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
Highmark filed suit against UPMC over the campaign in July, claiming it was misleading Highmark beneficiaries and advertising false information.
Since talks between the two organizations broke down in the spring, they have made different claims on whether Highmark beneficiaries might lose in-network access to UPMC hospitals and physicians. UPMC has said in-network rates could expire in mid-2012, while Highmark has contended that rates will go until mid-2013.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy Bissoon said Highmark’s request for a preliminary injunction stifling UPMC doesn’t present enough evidence that the public is being harmed by the hospital’s communications. Her recommendation goes to U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti for a decision on the injunction.
Related Articles on UPMC and Highmark:
UPMC Files Motion to Dismiss Highmark Suit That Alleges False Information Campaign
Frayed Ties With Highmark Cause UPMC Physicians to Worry About Salaries
UPMC Insists It Will End Contract With Highmark Next Summer, Calls on Insurer to Develop Transition Plan
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