Locally a group of doctors who built theHeartland Spine and Specialty Hospital and its doctor owners (Plaintiffs), took on several major health insurance companies, the largest managed care systems, and hospital systems (Defendants) in Kansas Cityforconspiring to excludetheir hospital from being able to accept Medicare patients.In a summary judgment hearing, the federal judge ruled that the doctors and their hospital had a viable case and that the damages could be at least140,000,000 dollars (with treble damages)against the defendants if the case went to trial.It was settled inMarch of 2008for an undisclosed amount with all of the 11 defendants.