An attorney for Midei, Stephen Snyder, said the complaints against additional doctors could back up his client's argument that his practices were no different than those of other doctors.

"The care delivered by Mark was no different than care provided to heart patients across the country," Snyder said in a statement. "St. Joe's was unwilling to look at other practitioners as it had its scapegoat. It should come as no surprise that allegations of impropriety against fellow practitioners, which may or may not be sustainable, are now being made."

The Maryland Board of Physicians revoked Midei's license, finding that he falsified patient records to justify the placement of unnecessary coronary stents. He challenged the decision in a Baltimore County court and lost. Midei also filed a defamation suit against his former employer that was dismissed because he had agreed not to sue when the hospital dismissed him in 2009.

Also this month, attorney Jay Miller, who had already filed cases on behalf of more than 200 clients, lodged complaints at the dispute resolution office for an additional 53 patients. The cases named Midei but no other doctors, according to documents.

A spokesman for Catholic Health Initiatives said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

A University of Maryland Medical System spokeswoman declined to comment about the new cases against St. Joseph, but said the merger is moving forward.

Under the state mediation process, either side can appeal the board's decision in court.

andrea.walker@baltsun.com

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