The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is leaving no stone unturned in its scrutiny of physician acquisitions, as indicated by its recent enforcement action regarding the acquisition of a small cardiology group in Reno, Nevada.

The FTC alleged that Renown Health (Renown), an integrated health network based in Reno, had gained control of the market for cardiology services by acquiring the only two major cardiology groups in the area. To settle the matter, Renown entered into a consent decree under which it would release up to ten of its staff cardiologists from their post-employment, non-compete contract provisions.