Neonatology Associates, Ltd. v. Phoenix Perinatal Associates Inc.

164 P.3d 691 (2007)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Obstetrix perinatologists were formerly employed by D, which was also an in-network provider for at least some of the relevant plans. Before Obstetrix Medical Group was formed, D physicians typically referred their patient-members of the relevant plans whose babies needed neonatal care to P physicians. Since forming Obstetrix Medical Group, however, they have referred their patients to Obstetrix neonatologists, who have treated the patients without compensation if the patients' plans refused to pay for Obstetrix neonatal services. P sued Obstetrix, alleging that Obstetrix's practice of referring patients out-of-network to its own neonatologists rather than to P physicians constitutes interference with Ps contractual relationship with the relevant plans and unfair competition. Obstetrix filed a motion for summary judgment that the trial court granted, and P timely appealed.