Salem, USA: Oregon Heart Center (OHC), an independent cardiology practice serving the Salem, Oregon, area, has filed a lawsuit against Salem Health accusing the nonprofit hospital of intimidation and “anticompetitive conduct.” OHC is seeking $15 million in damages from Salem Health, which includes $5 million for defamation. In the lawsuit, OHC alleges that Salem Health officials have used “their power, their platform and their voice as the only hospital in Salem to intimidate, defame and drive all business away from OHC in an effort to monopolize cardiology care in Salem.” “Apparently unhappy with its existing dominance of the health care market, Salem Health is now trying to force OHC (and other independent cardiologists) into becoming part of Salem Health or push them out of the market altogether,” according to the lawsuit. “The reason for these actions is simple—less competition and increased profits for Salem Health.”
The two groups coexisted in the area for a number of years, according to OHC. The lawsuit alleges that they were even working together as recently as 2020 to potentially open a jointly owned ambulatory surgical center (ASC). The talks fell apart, however, and OHC opened up the ASC without Salem Health. This appears to be when the issues began. Tracking down a newsletter Salem Health sent in June 2024 that featured the hospital’s president and CEO saying OHC “does not share our vision of a successful, sustainable, local health care system that will meet the long-term needs of our community.” The newsletter is mentioned specifically in the OHC lawsuit as one example of how Salem Health has allegedly damaged the independent practice’s reputation.
Salem Health is not commenting on this ongoing lawsuit. However, a spokesperson did share a statement with multiple outlets. “Expanding access to excellent, patient-centered cardiology care is good for patients and for our community,” the spokesperson said. “It’s a shame our colleagues at Oregon Heart Center don’t see it that way. We have a long history of supporting and collaborating with community physicians to ensure high quality, accessible care.”