A federal court in Indianapolis dismissed a lawsuit filed against Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health by a physician whose medical privileges were terminated at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, The Indiana Lawyer reported Nov. 4.
The dismissal follows a settlement reached by the two parties on Oct. 2, according to the report. The original complaint was filed by Ricardo Vasquez, MD, an independent vascular surgeon, in June 2021. He alleged that IU Health targeted him with anti-competitive behavior by denying him referrals, breaching hospital bylaws and making defamatory statements.
The claims stem from an investigation conducted by IU Health Bloomington's medical staff, which led to the termination of his privileges. The decision was upheld by an independent review panel and the hospital's board.
In an Oct. 30 news release from IU Health, Dr. Vasquez admitted to the behavior under review, stating, "I acknowledge that over the years I was occasionally irritable or intemperate with some of IU Health’s nurses and IT technicians. I also understand that some of these nurses reported that I had been overly abrupt in my interactions with patients. I regret my role in these incidents."
The Indiana Southern District Court upheld that Vasquez's claims did not constitute a legitimate antitrust case and also dismissed his breach of contract and defamation allegations.
As part of the settlement, Dr. Vasquez will pay $175,030 to IU Health, while IU Health will not make any payment to him.