The sterile scent of antiseptic hangs in the air, suddenly replaced by the sharp tang of fear. You’ve been threatened with an accusation followed up with a healthcare investigation or a full-blown healthcare lawsuit. A disruption to your healthcare practice is not just a legal problem; it’s a threat to everything you’ve built.
A healthcare lawsuit or investigation can unravel years of hard work, dedication, and trust. The financial burden, potential damage to your reputation, and the uncertainty of the outcome can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. It’s a challenging time, but remember, you’re not alone.
At SKT Law, we empathize with the pressures faced by healthcare professionals in these situations. We can guide you through the challenges, offering legal expertise and support. Our top priorities are Your practice, reputation, and peace of mind.
Potential Consequences of a Healthcare Lawsuit
Healthcare lawsuits and investigations involve allegations that can range from billing errors and coding mistakes to more serious accusations like Medicare fraud or patient neglect. The consequences, including financial penalties, loss of licensure, exclusion from federal programs, and reputational damage, can be devastating.
- Financial Penalties: These can include fines, restitution, and the repayment of allegedly overbilled amounts.
- Loss of Licensure: In severe cases, your professional license could be suspended or revoked.
- Exclusion from Federal Programs: You may be barred from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs.
- Reputational Damage: Allegations of misconduct can threaten your reputation and destroy the trust you’ve built with patients and colleagues.
Types of Healthcare Law & Litigation
Business Transactions
From entity formation to contract negotiation, we guide you through every stage of your business dealings, ensuring compliance and protecting your interests. Our services include:
- Formation of entities and business structures
- Physician and Medical Director contracts
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Negotiation of payor contracts
- Service agreements and vendor contracts
- Employment and independent contractor agreements
Litigation
When disputes arise, we offer vigorous representation and strategic guidance. Our litigation services encompass:
- Licensure defense and appeals
- Medicare and Medi-Cal provider enrollment appeals
- Payor and reimbursement disputes
- Overpayment appeals
- False Claims Act/qui tam whistle-blower litigation defense
- Business and employment litigation
- Medicare and Medi-Cal exclusions and suspensions
Compliance
Navigating the labyrinth of healthcare regulations can be challenging. We help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly compliance issues through:
- Licensing, operational, and reimbursement compliance
- Medicare and Medi-Cal enrollment and changes of ownership
- Corrective action plans and other proactive strategies
- Prepayment review
- Licensure citations and deficiencies
- Medicare and Medi-Cal enrollment errors
- Audit risk assessment
- HIPAA and state patient data privacy and security requirements
- False Claims Act compliance for marketing and business development activities
Regulatory Defense
Facing an investigation or audit can be stressful. We provide expert defense against inquiries from various regulatory bodies, including:
- Department of Public Health licensure investigations and appeals
- Reimbursement audits by private and governmental payors
- Fraud and abuse investigations
- Audit defense
Steps to Take When Facing A Healthcare Investigation
When a lawsuit or investigation comes to your attention, it’s not a time to panic; it’s a time to take immediate action. Delaying can worsen the situation and limit your options. You can start building a strong defense and regain control of the situation by contacting a healthcare litigation attorney, like SKT Law, immediately. Once you’ve had a consult with us or another healthcare lawyer, you can begin to build a defense. Building a defense against a healthcare investigation or lawsuit involves several steps.
Documentation
Organize and review all relevant medical records, billing invoices, and communications related to the allegations. The documentation will need to be investigated thoroughly for any details that will support your defense.
Conduct an Internal Investigation
Conduct your own internal investigation to understand the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations to help you identify and defend against any potential liabilities in your case.
Prepare an Expert Testimony
In some cases, expert testimony from medical professionals or billing specialists may be necessary to support your defense. Your attorney can help you identify and utilize relevant experts.
Related Article: Defending Against Allegations of Healthcare Fraud
Protecting Your Future With SKT Law
A healthcare lawsuit or investigation can cast a dark cloud over your practice, but with the right legal team by your side, you can face this challenge head-on. At SKT Law, we’re dedicated to fighting for healthcare professionals and businesses facing legal threats.
Our attorneys have a track record of successfully defending against healthcare lawsuits and investigations. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact SKT Law today for a confidential consultation, and let us help you chart a path toward a brighter tomorrow.