Medical boards are responsible for protecting the public from incompetent physicians. Although the particulars will vary depending on the jurisdiction, most states have laws that require physicians’ practice in a professional manner. Unprofessional conduct is...
Month: April 2021
TX authorities accuse pharmacy owner of $100M in healthcare fraud
It is never a good idea to brag on social media. Feds recently arrested the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, known for splashy posts on Facebook and Instagram that include his million-dollar mansion and multiple fancy vehicles like a red Ferrari, Bentley, and...
DOJ goes after TX dermatopathologist for False Claims Act violations
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced charges against a dermatopathologist out of Texas. The DOJ states the fraud began in 2015, when the physician authorized a management company to use the lab’s license to submit claims for payment for...
What can a practice do when it loses privileges at a hospital system?
Medical practices depend on relationships with hospital systems. An abrupt end to privileges within a hospital can have a catastrophic impact on the group and the patients they serve. Unfortunately, these situations are not uncommon. Most recently, a group out of St....
Lab owner agrees to pay $2M to settle AKS claim
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to crackdown on its fight against illegal kickbacks. The feds are clear in their belief that what it considers bribes within the healthcare industry for medical services or equipment taint the ability to provide...
Could stress cause me to lose my nursing license?
Can stress lead to the loss of your nursing license? The question is not a new one, though current circumstances have magnified the problem. Nurses were already often working in hospitals and clinics that were understaffed. Add in a pandemic and an already, at best,...
Texas Board of Nursing receives complaint triggered by TikTok post
The social media platform TikTok is popular for the short videos posted by users throughout the world. Like any form of social media, users are wise to use the platform carefully. An account is never as anonymous as one may think, and the public can call attention to...
How can HHA avoid allegations of Medicare overpayment?
The government has increased its focus on Medicare overpayments to home health agencies (HHAs). These healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of these allegations by avoiding the most common complaints. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...
OIG pushes for audits of HHAs, citing “significant overpayments”
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) stated in a recent report that it has identified significant overpayments to home health agencies (HHAs). The agency states that these overpayments are primarily from improper...
Texas docs tried and sent to prison under novel legal theory
The federal government continues its crackdown on illegal kickbacks. Although this is no surprise, the method is a bit surprising. In a recent case out of Texas, the government moved forward with a case against 14 Texans. One of the main laws used to build this case:...