Vine Street Clinic v. Healthlink, Inc.

This case presents the question whether a company that creates a list of health-care providers that it makes available for a charge to members of health plans may enter into an agreement under which the health-care providers themselves would pay to be included on the list. We conclude the agreement improperly requires physicians to pay a fee for the referral of patients. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.

I. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff Vine Street Clinic is a partnership consisting of physicians who render psychiatric services. Plaintiff Ursala Thatch, M.D., is an Illinois physician who…