Madison Memorial doctor, Idaho AG reach settlement

The Idaho attorney general has reached a settlement with a Rexburg doctor.

Dr. Kevin Lee was investigated after being accused of joining other doctors in violating Idaho’s anti-trust laws at Madison Memorial Hospital.

According to Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, the group wanted to negotiate changes in the on-call policy by conspiring to stop providing emergency room coverage unless the hospital agreed to compensate for on-call time.

Under the settlement, Lee and his practice group are prohibited from conspiring with other doctors in any future pay rate negotiations with any hospital.

Chief Financial Officer Troy Christensen said the doctors will probably remain with Madison Memorial.

“The physicians involved with this are long standing, well respected members of our medical staff,” said Christensen. “They provide a great service to our hospital and our patients, and we’re hopeful that as long as they want to practice medicine, they’ll do it here.”

Lee must also certify compliance with the Idaho Competition Act to the attorney general.