West Penn CEO fears monopoly, impact on care

The top executive at West Penn Allegheny Health System said he does not wake up mornings worrying about his cross-town rival, but he believes it's trying to put him out of business.

West Penn Allegheny's lawsuit against the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found its way back into federal court last week when an appeals court ruled that it should get a second look. A company and a consumer filed a separate class-action lawsuit, alleging UPMC and Highmark Inc. conspired to raise health insurance premiums and create an anti-competitive market.

Dr. Christopher Olivia, West Penn Allegheny's CEO, said UPMC seems intent on taking over health care in the region.