Greeley radiologists dispute NCMC contract

GREELEY — Eight physicians with Greeley X-Ray Group are appealing Banner Health System’s decision to award an exclusive contract to a Denver-based radiology company at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

The Greeley X-Ray doctors, led by Dr. Gareth Roberts, filed the appeal with the North Colorado Medical Center administrators, its board of directors, chief of staff, medical executive committee and Banner’s board of directors in Phoenix.

The group has previously alleged that Banner used “bullying tactics” to force its practice out of NCMC. The appeal claims Banner did not follow the correct protocol under NCMC’s medical by-laws when it awarded the exclusive contract to Diversified Radiology Corp.

“We are exercising our rights as medical staff members at NCMC to have the reduction of our privileges reviewed,” Roberts said.

Greeley X-Ray group had been NCMC’s imaging-services provider since 1958, working without a contract. In October, Greeley X-Ray Group publicly announced its plans to build a $10 million outpatient-imaging center in Greeley. Roberts said Banner had previously rebuked offers to own 49 percent of the operation.

In mid-November, after reviewing proposals from Greeley X-Ray, Diversified and another radiology group, Banner signed an exclusive contract with Diversified, set to take effect Feb. 1, 2003.

“With Diversified’s exclusive contract, they’re basically saying I can’t practice here,” Roberts said.

Roberts said he received a letter dated Nov. 22 from hospital administrators that essentially revoked his privileges to practice at the hospital unless his group contracts or otherwise associates with Diversified.

“Dismissals are usually initiated by the medical staff,” Roberts said. “That is not the case here. This was unilaterally performed by administration.”

Roberts said according to the by-laws “… a two-thirds vote of the medical staff or a majority vote of the medical executive committee is required in order to restrict our privileges.”

Roberts said he is appealing Diversified’s contract because he wants to continue practicing in the hospital without being forced to surrender his autonomy.

“Hopefully they’ll say, ‘You shouldn’t have lost your privileges over that, and we won’t grant them exclusivity,'” he said.

But Banner officials disagree with Roberts’ assessment of the situation.

“It was a business decision to enter into an exclusive contract and it is not an action that triggers proceedings under the medical staff by-laws,” Banner spokesman Gene Haffner said.

Banner’s board of directors acknowledged receipt of the letter, and Haffner said it will be reviewed and responded to in a timely manner.

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