Montana Doctor Sues for $22M Over Loss of Hospital Privileges

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

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 in December 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.