An Ohio health system is publicly fighting back about what it says is misinformation about it being posted on social media and reported in the news.
On the "Setting the Record Straight" page on its website, Chillicothe, Ohio-based Adena Health is refuting what it calls "false claims" about its employment practices, physician credentialing and land deals from "anonymous social media pages and tabloid websites posing as media outlets."
Adena Health has been sparring in court with three former orthopedic surgeons it sued for breach of contract and misusing confidential information. The surgeons then countersued, alleging retaliation, slander and antitrust violations. The physicians went on to work for a competing health system, Columbus-based OhioHealth. The case has "racked up more than 650 docket entries and an estimated $10 million in legal fees" over the past two years, the Scioto Valley Guardian reported.
"Adena looks forward to proving its allegations once the case returns from the court of appeals," health system CEO Jeff Graham wrote on the website. "In the meantime, please continue to reach out to Setting the Record Straight in order to get to the truth regarding what's happening. You are welcome to share the link for Setting the Record Straight with your friends and family. While some wish this would all just go away, know that I will continue to vigorously defend Adena against those who would do it harm."
The health system is also using the website to deny claims it let a physician perform transcatheter aortic valve replacements without the proper credentials. Another physician is suing Adena Health over allegations it fired him for reporting his concerns. The website posts a picture of the health system's Quality Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission.
The web page also pushes back against a news report that the health system purchased a 52-acre property for $3.5 million in 2021 — purportedly to block OhioHealth from encroaching in its market — without the knowledge and approval of its board of trustees.