Testimony came to an end Monday in the antitrust trial challenging Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System's 2012 acquisition of a medical group, according to a Times-News report.
The Federal Trade Commission, the Idaho Attorney General's office, Saint Alphonsus Health System and Treasure Valley Hospital in Boise challenged the transaction. The healthcare providers filed suit first, but their suit was consolidated in March with that of the FTC and Idaho AG.
The FTC has claimed St. Luke's acquisition of 44-physician Saltzer Medical Group in Nampa, Idaho, would leave St. Luke's with roughly 60 percent of market share for primary care physicians in the Nampa area. St. Luke's claims the acquisition was critical to its plans to provide quality healthcare and control rising health insurance costs.
More than 25 lawyers were in court for the last day of testimony, including many from across the country who specialize in healthcare antitrust matters. The trial was scheduled to last precisely 5,340 minutes, according to the report.
Lawyers will return to the courtroom with U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Nov. 7 for closing arguments, according to the report. Judge Winmill could issue a verdict before Christmas.
More Articles on St. Luke's Health System and the FTC:
Legal Battle Between St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus Over Physician Acquisition to Begin
5 FTC Challenges to Hospital Mergers: Key Concepts for Today's Antitrust Environment
FTC: St. Luke's Has 57% Market Share With Medical Group Acquisition