Antimarkup rule

Medicare regulation that limits the amount that can be billed by a physician or group practice for the technical component of diagnostic tests (excluding clinical diagnostic tests performed by clinical laboratories) that are performed by an outside supplier.

Antirebate law

Statute in most states that it is illegal practice by an insurance agent to discount or return any portion of his or her commission to encourage an applicant to buy or renew an insurance policy.

Antitrust laws

Federal and state statutes that prohibit institutional mergers and acquisitions, exclusive contracts, joint ventures, price discriminations, price fixing, monopolies, and business dealings in situations that may greatly reduce competition, which may lead to a detrimental effect on consumer welfare. In medical care, this concerns arrangements between specialists that render exclusive service contracts with their hospitals. The main federal antitrust acts are: Sherman Antitrust Act (1890), Clayton Act (1914), Federal Trade Commission Act (1914), and Robinson-Patman Act (1936).