The threat of physician fines stemming from the UnitedHealth’s LabCorp decision has hit the WSJ:

The strategy threatens to backfire. A backlash brewing among physicians and regulators is creating a public-relations mess as the company continues to struggle to recover from a stock-options backdating scandal. It also comes on top of a series of rancorous contract negotiations with doctors and hospitals in California, Colorado and other parts of the country. “This is beyond punitive; it’s abusive,” says Ted Mazer, an ear, nose and throat doctor in San Diego. “And it makes you wonder, what’s next?”

Dr. Wes comments, and notes that the AAFP is in bed with UnitedHealth:

I love the double standard. Physicians can’t refer to their labs due to concerns over conflicts of interest due to the Stark laws, but insurers can help themselves and do even one better: threaten physicians if they fail to make such a financially-motivated referral that lines the insurance company’s coffers.

Oh, but certain self-interested physicians don’t seem to mind, especially those in leadership positions poised to profit.