Judge dismisses UPMC, Highmark antitrust lawsuit

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and insurer Highmark Inc.

West Penn Allegheny Health System sued the hospital system and insurer in April, claiming UPMC refused to contract with other health insurance companies at reasonable rates. In return, the suit claimed that Highmark pays inflated reimbursements to UPMC's facilities and less to others, putting them at an economic disadvantage.

UPMC and Highmark denied the allegations. U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab granted UPMC's request to dismiss the lawsuit on Thursday.