Doctors file bias suit over loss of privileges at Hudson, FL, hospital

Lawyers for the nine cardiologists who were suspended in 2004 from performing angioplasties at Hudson, FL-based Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point are now accusing the hospital of racial discrimination. Nine lawsuits say the hospital and its parent chain, HCA Inc., revoked the doctors' privileges and then failed to provide them with an appropriate appeal process because of their "race and ethnic characteristics." Five of the cardiologists are Indian, three are Arab, and one is Hispanic. In a written statement, hospital spokesman Kurt Conover said the suspensions resulted from a quality review by a third party of the hospital's catheterization lab.