Urologist Dr. Costa, who is also a developer, helped Highmark purchase property in suburban Pittsburgh. Highmark is awaiting federal approval to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System, a crosstown competitor of UPMC.
Despite Dr. Costa’s efforts to conceal his involvement with Highmark — such as omitting his name from documents and funneling sales through shell firms that listed his wife as a general partner — UPMC learned of the activity and dismissed the physician, effective July 30. Dr. Costa has been affiliated with UPMC for 16 years.
Highmark declined to confirm the existence or type of relationship it held with Dr. Costa, according to the report. UPMC said it “mutually agreed” with Dr. Costa to go in different directions and end their relationship. Dr. Costa would not respond to requests for comment in the news report.
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