Ordering a test for a patient seems like an innocuous and potentially necessary step towards quality medical care, but the government does not always see it this way. The federal government is cracking down on physician practices and hospitals who overutilize testing....
Year: 2022
3 tips to help physicians battle burnout
60% to 75% of physicians throughout the country report instances of depression and exhaustion since the start of the pandemic. Add in the fact that physicians were already twice as likely to report burnout then those in other professions and it is no surprise the...
Texas officials’ crackdown on FCA violations
Texas authorities will "not tolerate" healthcare providers who put personal gain over patient care according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern Distribution of Texas. The official made this proclamation shortly after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced 15...
What should my group know about the CMS’ new rules?
Rural hospitals are struggling throughout the country. A recent piece in Becker’s Hospital Review notes that 138 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. Notably, a record 19 closed in 2020 alone. To address this growing problem, the United States Centers for Medicare...
Doctors take note: 2 important TMB updates
Physicians throughout the state should be aware of two recent updates that involve the Texas Medical Board (TMB). #1: Physician wins case against the TMB As we discussed in more detail in a previous post, available here, the TMB is not infallible. A neurologist built...
EKRA, sales agents, and diagnostic labs: 2 cases, 2 different holdings
The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recover Act (EKRA) is known for many things, but clarity is not one of them. It provides a tool for the government to fight the opioid epidemic in our country, which is a noble cause. Unfortunately, lawmakers left portions of the law too...
TX doctor wins case against TMB: 3 lessons
Decisions by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) are not ironclad. It is possible for physicians who are the subject of these decisions to mount a successful appeal. A recent decision serves as an example of how these cases can unfold and provides some important lessons for...
I was arrested. Is my professional license at risk?
Physicians and others who hold a medical license can put these licenses at risk if they do not follow applicable regulations. Texas law gives the Texas Medical Board (TMB) the power to suspend, revoke or deny licensure in certain situations. This can include the...
Nursing license under threat? 3 tips to deal with the stress.
Nurses must manage stress as part of their job. There are the visible stressors, the large patient load, and long hours, as well as the invisible, like the unspoken need to always do more. But what happens when the stressor is one that could put your nursing license...
DOJ goes after lab execs and employees for FCA violations: 3 things to know
The feds have continued their crackdown on misuse of federal funds. A recent case provides an example of how the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) handles a situation with a focus specifically on diagnostic laboratories. The government claims the lab in this...