West Penn Allegheny's suit against UPMC, Highmark reinstated

A federal appeals court panel today reinstated West Penn Allegheny Health System’s antitrust lawsuit against University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and regional insurer Highmark Inc.

U.S. District Court Judge Arthur Schwab previously dismissed the ailing hospital system’s claims that UPMC and Highmark illegally conspired to reduce competition, raise prices and gain a monopoly on the region's health care industry. But a U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals panel, acting on an appeal from West Penn Allegheny, found ample grounds to proceed with the claim.