The FTC Ban on Noncompete Agreements: A Contentious Issue for the Radiology Industry

The FTC ban on noncompete agreements is a contentious issue for the radiology industry. While the Radiology Business Management Association and American College of Radiology have not taken a definitive stance, it seems that many medical associations are divided on this issue. Some young radiologists are in favor of the freedom to change jobs locally, while older shareholders are concerned about practice valuations if physicians leave for new private equity firms.

Bob Still, Executive Director of Radiology Business, acknowledges that this is a challenging issue for all physician groups. In fact, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has also seen interest from private equity firms and supports the ban on noncompete agreements. ACEP believes that such clauses are unfair, exploitative, and coercive and issued a statement celebrating the ability of its members to practice emergency medicine freely.

Dr. Ben White, a Texas neuroradiologist, and Dr. Nisha Mehta, a radiologist and founder of Physician Side Gigs, have shared their perspectives on the FTC ban. Mehta noted that while there are many nuances to consider with different employer types and physician roles, the ruling will likely have a significant impact on physicians and their contracts in the future. It’s clear that this issue is complex and multifaceted, with different opinions among medical professionals across various specialties.