Changes to Anti-Kickback Safe Harbors
On October 9, 2019, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) published proposed revisions to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). If they are passed, the changes would affect regulatory safe harbors. There are several key points targeted to change, which include how payments are made, warranties, and transportation. The AKS is a well-known, wide-ranging fraud and […]
» Read More...January 25, 2020
Physician Contract Provisions
The American Medical Association’s recent “Making the Rounds” podcast focused on restrictive covenants and termination clauses with a senior attorney for the organization. This podcast was the fourth installment of a six-part series that explores physician employment contract negotiations. These provisions apply to post-employment, and limit where and how long doctors can practice once the […]
» Read More...January 9, 2020
What Should I Know Regarding Medical Records Requests?
Medical records are important files that discuss a patient’s ongoing medical history. These files tend to be used in a variety of situations. Therefore, medical records tend to be transferred from the physician to others more frequently compared to other files. Mishandling a patient’s medical records can put a physician in a legal situation, so […]
» Read More...December 23, 2019
Telehealth Credentialing Challenges
The field of telehealth is growing with regulatory changes paving the way for digital health companies to offer services. Federal and state policies have also helped increase access for more patients, changing how people choose and receive their health care. As this field expands, some physicians may encounter challenges when dealing with provider credentialing, state […]
» Read More...December 12, 2019
Third Circuit Revives Whistleblowers’ Claims in False Claims Act
Last month, the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals reversed an earlier decision to dismiss whistleblowers’ claims that neurosurgeons affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) violated the False Claims Act by falsely billing Medicaid and Medicare for services to boost their personal income. Among the whistleblowers’ allegations, they claimed the compensation […]
» Read More...November 28, 2019
Prescribing the Wrong Medication to Patients
Countless prescriptions are written every day, and there are many steps that must be followed for patients to receive the proper medications. From the moment production begins, to the time the patient takes a first dose, there are many opportunities for mistakes to happen. Patients trust their doctors and expect to receive effective treatment and […]
» Read More...November 14, 2019
Practicing Medicine Without a License
Throughout the United States, it is a criminal offense to practice medicine without a professional license. Like other professions require specific job training and preparation, a medical practitioner must undergo several years of education and practical experience to prepare them for treating their patients safely. Without this safeguard in place, unlicensed doctors could endanger the […]
» Read More...October 31, 2019
Women Face Less Opportunities in Medicine
A recent report published by health care staffing company, CompHealth, showed some concerning statistics about how female medical professionals still face gender discrimination. Their nationwide 2019 Women in Medicine study surveyed 700 women and men physicians about themes that included wages, opportunities, work/life balance, and sexual harassment. Making Sacrifices Women had a higher likelihood to […]
» Read More...October 15, 2019
Common Pitfalls Physicians Should Avoid
The path to become a licensed physician is far from easy. Countless hours of education and training are too valuable an investment to jeopardize with a lawsuit. By age 65, more than 75 percent of doctors in minimal-risk specialties and 99 percent of those in high-risk specialties will face a claim at some point. A […]
» Read More...September 25, 2019
Physician Employment Contract Basics
Like other new employees, physicians that enter into new employment contracts should hope for positive outcomes and good working relationships. All parties involved in the contract have certain obligations, and if these are not met, a breach of contract can result. It is essential for physicians to understand their contracts, as details can be misread […]
» Read More...September 12, 2019
