The 250-yard zone rule does not apply to which of the following?

The 250-yard zone rule does not apply to which of the following?

• A. All independent physician practices
• B. Private hospitals
• C. All hospital-owned physician practices
• D. Emergency care centers

Answer: (C)

The 250-yard zone rule, which generally aims to prevent improper referrals by limiting the ability of certain healthcare providers to refer patients to entities in close proximity, does not apply to all hospital-owned physician practices. This determination stems from the regulation's focus primarily on independent practices and how they interact with hospitals. Hospital-owned practices are typically governed by different sets of regulations that allow for referral practices without the same restrictions that apply to independent practices. In contrast, independent physician practices, private hospitals, and emergency care centers are more likely to encounter restrictions under this rule as they operate under different circumstances regarding patient referrals and business relationships compared to hospital-owned facilities. Therefore, hospital-owned physician practices are not bound by the same stipulations as independent practices, making them exempt from the 250-yard zone rule.

The 250-yard zone rule, which generally aims to prevent improper referrals by limiting the ability of certain healthcare providers to refer patients to entities in close proximity, does not apply to all hospital-owned physician practices. This determination stems from the regulation's focus primarily on independent practices and how they interact with hospitals. Hospital-owned practices are typically governed by different sets of regulations that allow for referral practices without the same restrictions that apply to independent practices.

In contrast, independent physician practices, private hospitals, and emergency care centers are more likely to encounter restrictions under this rule as they operate under different circumstances regarding patient referrals and business relationships compared to hospital-owned facilities. Therefore, hospital-owned physician practices are not bound by the same stipulations as independent practices, making them exempt from the 250-yard zone rule.