Ep 69: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 1

This is the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. When we heard it, we had to talk with Taff and his wife Lori - also a CRNA - to hear how it all happened. It’s a fascinating story that hinges on a manilla folder and you’ll hear all the details that led up to the trial in part one.

 

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2348 

 

Today's rundown: 

2:30 – We think this is going to be one of the most interesting podcast we’ve done.

3:50 – Background on the Oltz vs St. Peter’s Community Hospital case.

3:47 – Tafford Oltz and his wife Lori tell us about their background.

4:54 – The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

5:15 – How their employment was structured in the 70s and how the relationship with St. Peter’s began.

9:23 – Taff shares one specific patient story he still remembers.

9:56 – The medical landscape in Montana in the mid-70s.

10:31 – When the third MD arrived, he informed the vascular surgeon the use of a CRNA was medical malpractice.

11:46 – Here’s how a typical day looked for Taff with a 100-mile commute.

13:05 – What changed with his situation?

14:45 – The story turns because of a folder. Taff explains.

17:40 – Lori shares details of what was actually written in some of the letters.

19:38 – How was that working relationship after finding out about their plans?

21:52 – How the lawsuit began.

22:45 – What anti-trust litigation is and the three things you need for a case.

27:07 - Many courts aren’t familiar with anti-trust cases. There had only been one prior in Montana.

28:41 - Once they started investigating, they found St. Peter’s market power near 84%. 

30:31 - The hospital produced a letter that the anesthesiologists were increasing charges by 10%.

32:58 - How do you choose legal representation for a case like this and what were the costs?

37:15 - How important were other cases at the time?

44:17 - The role Lori played during the trial.

46:07 - To be continued…