UPMC Dismisses Medical Director Who Helped Highmark Snag Property

Frank Costa, MD, has been dismissed as medical director and administrator at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center due to his involvement with helping insurer Highmark purchase property for outpatient centers, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.

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.

More Articles on UPMC and Highmark:

UPMC's Top Donors Want Highmark Coverage for Specialty Facilities
Highmark Drops False Advertising Suit Against UPMC
Highmark, UPMC Strike Contract Deal


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