Annals of internal medicine
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Reports of an impending surplus of physicians have intensified economic incentives to exclude competing professionals from the hospital workplace. These conditions have led to a substantial increase in the number of private lawsuits instituted by the excluded physicians. ⋯ However, unreasonable denials of staff privileges, staff closures, and exclusive contracts can raise antitrust implications depending on the facts. The relevant factual and economic questions that should be asked about such conduct in order to determine the degree of antitrust risk are discussed.