Doctor sues over loss of hospital privileges

MILES CITY, Mont. (AP) — A physician is seeking $22 million in damages after Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City revoked his medical staff privileges in December 2009.

The Miles City Star reports (http://bit.ly/NHrDV3 ) Dr. J. Randall Rauh is suing for breach of contract, unlawful restraint of trade and interference with the physician/patient relationship. The hospital argues Rauh didn't exhaust his remedies under medical staff bylaws before suing.

A jury trial is set for June 10.

Rauh is an obstetrician and gynecologist who worked in Miles City from 1981-2009, including from 2004 to 2009 at Billings Clinic.

Documents Rauh's attorney filed last month indicate the clinic ended his contract in mid-2009 after he allegedly performed cesarean hysterectomies at a rate outside national averages.

The hospital revoked his privileges several months later.