Government officials recently charged two women with health care fraud. The case is unique as the charges are the result of allegations connected to the women’s practice providing care for autistic children.
Physician files case against employer, claims breach of contract
Although people go into medicine for more than just a job, those who choose the medical field often still need to navigate the particulars that come with employment. This can include employment contract negotiations. Once an employment contract is put into place, both parties to the contract expect the other to fulfill the agreed upon obligations. A failure to do so can result in a lawsuit.
Religion & medicine: How can doctors navigate these conversations?
Medicine and religion can come at odds. The current debate over vaccine exemptions for religious reasons is one current example. As measles outbreaks surge throughout the country, lawmakers and doctors are forced to consider the difficult balance between respecting an individual's religious liberties and the health of society.
Dentist faces over five years imprisonment for health care fraud
Government officials recently charged a dentist with over $1 million in fraudulent charges. After pleading guilty to the allegations, the dentist could find himself spending anywhere from 46 to 57 months in prison.
The prosecution has reportedly requested a four-year prison sentence with an additional restitution payment. The dentist has pushed for a more lenient sentence, requesting 18-month imprisonment, three years supervised release and a full restitution payment of $932,830.
Radiologists: 3 lessons from recent $11.5M negligence award
Mistakes happen in any line of work. Radiologists run an increased risk due to the fact that there is often a paper trail that can work against them in the event a mistake results in serious injury. Those who practice this form of medicine are often reading scans and images, scans and images that become a part of the patient’s file. If the radiologist misses a tumor or other issue, the scan or image could serve as evidence in malpractice case.
It is not uncommon for cases to move forward years later. A recent case was successful ten years after the alleged malpractice event.
Can nurses have a license in more than one state?
There are situations a nurse may need to travel across state lines to provide care. One common example is the position of a travel nurse. In order to cut down on the burden that comes with meeting the licensing requirements for each state, nurses in these situations may make use of the Nurse Licensing Compact.
TX man skips trial, accepts plea deal in health care fraud case
A Texas man accused of health care fraud chose to skip a jury trial and accept a plea deal offered by the prosecution. The state accused the man of falsely submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid under his father’s name.
Hastily written law may have unintended impact on labs
Lawmakers are taking action against the current opioid addiction crisis. One specific example involves the passage of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA). The law, discussed in detail in a previous post available here, is designed to help better ensure those who are treating patients battling opioid addiction focus on patient care as opposed to financial motivations.
Texas physician accused of improper billing
Physicians who run a private practice must balance the demands of business with the needs of their patients. In an effort to help make everything come together, these medical professionals will likely delegate duties. They may hire administrative staff to operate the front desk and help keep records organized and may hire other medical staff to assist with patient needs.
HHS reduces penalties for HIPPA and HITECH violations
Government regulations constantly push physicians to balance patient interest and privacy concerns. A failure to navigate this balance can result in allegations of privacy violations. These violations can come with a steep penalty. Fortunately for medical professionals, that penalty will soon change.
