Physicians cornering hospital market

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new study shows that Oklahoma has increased in complex spinal fusion surgeries since the advent of physician-owned hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.<br/><br/>The study was released

Wednesday, April 27th 2005, 9:45 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new study shows that Oklahoma has increased in complex spinal fusion surgeries since the advent of physician-owned hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

The study was released yesterday and is based on workers compensations claims.

It shows that specialty hospitals account for 78 percent to 97 percent of the surgeries performed in 2004.

Officials say the findings suggest that physicians are steering patients to the hospitals they own.

The three spine and orthopedic hospitals specializing in the procedures are Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma in Tulsa, Tulsa Spine Hospital and Oklahoma Spine Hospital in Oklahoma City.