Radiology turf wars and antitrust law.

ABSTRACT

Nonradiologist health care providers have enjoyed the privilege of film interpretation without the assistance of radiologists. However, encroachment on the radiologist's turf of radiological image interpretation by nonradiologist physicians and radiographer technicians is reminiscent of recent antitrust battles between anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. Numerous antitrust issues are relevant to radiology; however, the scope of this article is limited to antitrust issues most relevant to radiology turf battles. Such battles often raise antitrust issues of group boycotts, tying arrangements, and exclusive contracts.