U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti ruled that University of Pittsburgh Medical Center may file its recent agreement with health insurer Highmark under seal as an exhibit to stay an antitrust case, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
UPMC recently asked the judge to halt the antitrust suit filed by Pittsburgh-based West Penn Allegheny Health System in 2009. Highmark is awaiting regulatory approval to finalize its acquisition of West Penn.
Two weeks ago, after a year of stalled negotiations, UPMC agreed to extend in-network access for Highmark members through 2014. The agreement called for an end to legal hostilities. In light of that agreement, Highmark recently dropped a false advertising lawsuit it had filed against UPMC.
Judge Conti has not yet acted on UPMC's request to halt the case.
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UPMC recently asked the judge to halt the antitrust suit filed by Pittsburgh-based West Penn Allegheny Health System in 2009. Highmark is awaiting regulatory approval to finalize its acquisition of West Penn.
Two weeks ago, after a year of stalled negotiations, UPMC agreed to extend in-network access for Highmark members through 2014. The agreement called for an end to legal hostilities. In light of that agreement, Highmark recently dropped a false advertising lawsuit it had filed against UPMC.
Judge Conti has not yet acted on UPMC's request to halt the case.
More Articles on UPMC, Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System:
UPMC Asks Judge to Halt West Penn's Antitrust SuitUPMC Dismisses Medical Director Who Helped Highmark Snag Property
Highmark, UPMC Strike Contract Deal