Tenet Transfer Extends L.A. Saga

By now, the feds are examining physician relationships at a number of Tenet facilities. The company disclosed just Wednesday, for example, that prosecutors are now seeking information about its San Ramon Regional Medical Center in San Francisco. Still, Tenet continues to maintain that its arrangements with physicians have always been appropriate despite the mounting government scrutiny.

Meanwhile, other members of Centinela Freeman HealthSystem are possible targets of the government as well. The Los Angeles Business Journal reported earlier this year that Apex Cardiology Consultants -- a high-profile practice at Centinela -- has fielded a subpoena and appears to be the focus of an investigation by federal prosecutors. At least two members of that busy cardiology practice are among the group now buying the three L.A. hospitals, based on past emails sent out by Finnigan.

Still, Finnigan himself claimed he didn't know whether Apex is participating in the deal or not. But Edwards at least took a guess.

"I honestly don't know," he said. "But I suspect that they are."

For a variety of reasons, We CAHRE now has fresh worries about the hospital it once saved.

"We will continue to monitor the situation along with other healthcare advocates," Inouye pledged, "as we continue to vie for the Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital."

Skolnick, for one, has already hinted at a possible fight ahead.

"This saga," she declared on Wednesday, "may not be over yet."

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