The prosecution's case against Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada continues to provide learning opportunities for medical professionals throughout the country. In the most recent development, the government agreed to the acquittal of one of Dr. Zamora-Quezada's employees. A...
Month: January 2020
Report: which medical specialty most likely to get sued?
Those who enter the medical practice generally do so because of a desire to help heal those who are ill. Like any profession, mistakes can happen. These mistakes can be purely accidental or result from negligence. Whatever the cause, a patient who suffers an injury...
Judge sentences hospital owner, doctor to prison for fraud
It is not uncommon for physicians to take a business interest in a health care facility. Such business relationships must be entered into carefully or the physician could face allegations of illegal kickbacks and other criminal violations. A recent case provides an...
Medicare Fraud Strike Forces change the future of medicine
The United States Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) may have begun operations for their Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) in Florida, but the scope of operations has broadened in recent years. As of 2018, the agencies now have...
EHR and health care fraud: Vendors, doctors face charges
Software companies marketed electronic health record (EHR) programs as a way to help better ensure quality patient care. In theory, the software would provide accurate, up to date patient records that were readily available to the treating physician. In reality, flaws...
Doctors take note: 3 ways to reduce the risk of a med mal suit
Data shows approximately half of all physicians will face a medical malpractice lawsuit at some point during their professional career. Top causes for a lawsuit include a failure to diagnose an illness or a poor outcome after a medical procedure.Medical professionals...
What triggers an HHS OIG investigation?
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) ensures HHS programs run smoothly. This agency holds those who abuse the program accountable for their wrongdoing by, when necessary, pursuing criminal charges. How does...
Nurse sentenced after accused of infecting patients with Hep C
The case began in 2014 when local health department began an investigation after a number of Hepatitis C diagnoses. The investigation led to seven patients, all of whom received treatment from a nurse while receiving emergency medical care. During the investigation,...
CMS to conduct audits, review risk adjustment payments
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released the findings from a study that focused on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provision of unsupported risk adjustment payments. The OIG...
Doctors & employment contracts: Two perspectives
Physicians, like anyone else in the job market, are generally required to sign a proposed job contract before accepting an offer for employment. This piece will delve into the two sides of the contract. First, it will discuss the provisions the physician should...