I think the "curbside consult" defense is dubious, since, as far as I understood from the article, Fairview is the go-to hospital for residents of the plaintiff

I think the "curbside consult" defense is dubious, since, as far as I understood from the article, Fairview is the go-to hospital for residents of the plaintiff's area. I agree with you on the second part. I wonder if there is actually a clear chain of responsibility in patient->clinic->hospital relationship.