According to a recent article in Politico, the FTC is going after Fresenius and Da Vita for their business practices. I’ve condensed the article to its essence in the following paragraph and provided a link to the original article at the end. Interesting reading.
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating the two largest dialysis providers, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, over allegations that they illegally hinder smaller competitors. The probe focuses on how the companies make it difficult for physicians working in their clinics to leave for rivals and start new businesses, through the use of non-compete agreements. The investigation examines the business models of the two companies, which control at least 70% of the U.S. dialysis market. The FTC’s action is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to curb corporate concentration across the economy. The companies say they are cooperating with the investigation and are confident it will show they have enhanced competition. The non-compete agreements under scrutiny concern nephrologists, and specialists in treating kidney disease, and restrict them from serving as medical directors in competing settings, including home dialysis, which is becoming more profitable. Home dialysis access is improving, but slowly, and the non-compete clauses can limit patient choice and treatment options.
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