The Most Common Issues Associated with Running a Medical Practice

While medical practices help many people in a variety of ways, running one comes with potential risks. In addition to maintaining a current medical knowledge of treatments and protocols, the operation of a medical practice also requires that many other things are kept accurate and up-to-date. The legality of a medical practice is of the utmost importance. The following are common legal issues that you may incur while running a medical practice.

Refusing the Release of Medical Records to Patients with a Balance

Though some clients may owe the practice money, if they can pay the copying charges, most states require that medical records be released into the hands of those to whom they belong. Refusing to release someone’s medical records simply because they owe the practice money is not only inappropriate, but in certain instances, illegal.

Entering a Contract with People or Entities You Refer Patients

Doing business with patients can be extremely complicated. It is important that physicians do not accept cash from anyone, including individuals or entities to which a physician refers patients. All leases must be in writing and set at a fair market value to follow federal and state laws.

Failing to Collect Co-Pays When Necessary

The collection of co-pays and deductibles are required for patient visits. It is very important that physicians remain familiar with the requirements of all their payers.

Your Practice Improperly Credits Income from Ancillary Services

It is extremely important that physicians understand the different ways in which ancillary and non-ancillary income is credited. Ensuring that your practice credits physicians correctly for the professional and technical components of ultrasounds, X-rays, and other lab tests that they order for federal patients is extremely important.

Receiving Gifts from Reps, Companies, or Other Physicians to Whom You Refer

It is of high priority that a formal policy is in place regarding state regulations to the subject of receiving gifts. Under federal law, as well as most state laws, there are very strict rules governing how and in what cases a physician can receive anything of value. This is due to a likely conflict of interest.

Not Following the Requirements Associated with Having Licensed Staff

Each state has varying laws and requirements that must be met concerning a practice’s licensed staff members. Supervision agreements and registration of a physician assistant to write prescriptions are just a couple of examples of what may be required to comply with state laws. It is important that each practice familiarize itself with its state regulations and requirements.

Philadelphia Physician Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Physicians’ Rights

If you are a physician, it is important that you protect yourself and your practice from any potential violations or liability. Since these rules and regulations can be complicated to understand, it is in your best interest to consult with an attorney who has the knowledge and experience in laws surrounding physician employment. At Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C., the Philadelphia physician lawyers assist physicians in all types of legal matters. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County. For a free consultation, call 215-569-1999 or contact us online.