In a stunning case of what many are calling unfair and deceptive trade practices, Pardee Hospital is facing accusations of deliberately infringing on the trademark of a long-standing independent medical practice, Blue Sky MD. Dr. David LaMond, who has served Henderson County patients with integrity and compassion for over 20 years, has been forced into a legal battle with the publicly owned hospital after the hospital knowingly adopted a confusingly similar name—”Pardee BlueMD”— which Blue Sky MD believes is meant to hurt it.
“This isn’t just about a name—it’s about protecting the right of independent practices to exist in an increasingly monopolized healthcare system,” said Dr. LaMond. “For years, Pardee has tried to buy out independent practices, including Blue Sky MD, in a clear attempt to control pricing and the market. Now, they’re using my trademark to confuse patients and undermine my practice. It’s a blatant abuse of power, and the community deserves to know the truth.”
For the past three years, Dr. LaMond has been fighting to hold Pardee accountable for what he believes is a calculated attempt to stifle competition. The hospital’s actions represent yet another example of the troubling consolidation of independent practices in Henderson County, a trend that has left patients with fewer choices, higher costs, and limited access to care. Unlike independent practices, hospital-owned providers charge patients not only for office visits but also additional “facility fees,” driving up costs for the community.
Adding insult to injury, the legal battle is being funded by taxpayers, as Pardee is a publicly owned hospital. “It’s outrageous that the public is unknowingly paying Pardee’s legal bills while the hospital actively tries to crush small, independent practices,” said Dr. LaMond.
The Decline of Independent Practices Hurts Patients
Over the last two decades, Henderson County has seen the number of independent physician practices dwindle, leaving only a handful remaining. This loss of competition has had devastating consequences for patients, including rising healthcare costs and reduced access to care.
“Without independent practices, patients are forced to rely on large hospital systems like Pardee, which are more focused on their bottom line than on personalized, affordable care,” said Dr. LaMond. “When competition disappears, prices go up, and patients suffer.”
Dr. LaMond’s case further highlights the troubling reality of this consolidation. For years, Pardee has made attempts to purchase independent practices, including Blue Sky MD. Having been unsuccessful in buying out Dr. LaMond’s practice, Pardee instead adopted the name “Pardee BlueMD,” ignoring warnings that it infringed on Dr. LaMond’s registered trademark.
The Truth Behind the Case
A survey of Blue Sky MD patients revealed that over 21% of respondents reported confusion between the two brands. “Even our own active patients at Blue Sky MD were confused about the brand,” says LaMond. Several patients expressed concerns that Blue Sky MD was bought out by the hospital. “This confusion is not accidental”—it is the result of deliberate actions by Pardee to exploit Dr. LaMond’s reputation and harm his practice.
Pardee has argued that changing the “Pardee BlueMD” name would disrupt their billing processes, but this claim has been thoroughly debunked. Research confirms that the hospital’s billing operations are tied to its legal entity, “Henderson County Hospital Corporation,” and not the “Pardee BlueMD” name. Changing the name would have no impact on their revenue or operations.
Despite these facts, Pardee has dragged out the legal process for over three years, draining Dr. LaMond’s resources in what he believes is an effort to exhaust his ability to fight back.
A Call to Action for the Community
“This isn’t just my fight—it’s about preserving choice and competition for patients in Henderson County,” said Dr. LaMond. “If big hospital systems like Pardee are allowed to bully independent practices, the entire community will pay the price in higher costs and fewer options for care.”
If you have experienced brand confusion and want to stand up for the rights of independent medical practices; we want to hear from you! Feel free to tell us your story by reaching us here:
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Dr. David LaMond, MD
Founder, Medical Director, Blue Sky MD
Dr. LaMond is a nutrition and prevention expert; who is a successful medical entrepreneur. Dave developed and operates numerous successful medical practices, along with a consulting company which helps physicians and medical practitioners operate successful independent practices. Drawing from his foundation and board certification in Family Medicine, he developed the innovative medical principles behind the Blue Sky MD concept of total patient care. Blue Sky MD has appeared on the INC 5000 list three times; as one of the 5000 fastest growing privately held companies in the US.
Dave has been a featured speaker for numerous medical conferences and has been a business and health consultant and has made several appearances on health television broadcasts. His written work has been featured in medical journals and other print media; with a focus on sports medicine, nutrition, wellness and non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
Additionally, Dr. LaMond has been a luminary, speaker and consultant for Crescent Health Solutions, Eleme Medical, Osyris, Suneva Medical and Candela Corporations, served as a clinical professor for Wake Forest University and is an expert in non-invasive and minimally invasive body contouring and cosmetic laser surgery.
Dr LaMond is passionate about the outdoors and has a love for mountain biking. He works as a nutritional coach and physician for professional cyclists, and enjoys training and riding along-side them. Dave has competed in high level mountain bike events regionally and nationally in masters level competition and has been on the podium at USA cycling National Championships.
