Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendant—or accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

Vascular imaging at heart of $71M fraud scheme—DOJ announces prison sentences
The years-long scheme involved sending kickbacks to physicians who ordered unnecessary transcranial doppler exams. Two conspirators have now been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay substantial fines.
CMS defers $260M in Medicaid funds as part of ‘major crackdown on healthcare fraud’
The money was meant for Minnesota, where criminals were indicted for abusing the Medicaid system to run bogus daycare centers. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not specify how the state can rectify the situation to the Trump administration’s satisfaction.
Lawsuit challenges $300K hip replacement that left patient permanently impaired
A civil trial in Maine is underway, where a 71-year-old patient alleges that in 2019, her surgeon read the wrong X-ray, leading to a delayed second procedure that would have put her on the road to recovery.
Radiologist's report omission under investigation following patient death
Officials are examining how a radiologist's CT findings may have played a part in the untimely death, as the doctor did not notate "swirling of the mesentery" in his interpretation.
Ohio health system sued by DOJ over alleged antitrust violations related to payer contracts
The U.S. Department of Justice and the state attorney general's office allege OhioHealth used its position of market dominance to pressure commercial plans into always keeping its hospitals and clinics in-network, even when competitors offer services for a better rate.

Renowned radiologist dies after car crashes into Connecticut River

The doctor was described as a kind, generous, funny and incredibly intelligent man who took joy in caring for others.

600 CDC employees laid off as 700 others mistakenly receive termination notices

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the additional notices were sent in error. A union representing federal workers is challenging the firings, arguing that President Donald Trump lacks the authority to permanently eliminate jobs during a government shutdown.

DOJ says it quickly removed offending social media posts about Luigi Mangione

The posts violated a court order that forbade the agency from commenting publicly on Mangione’s alleged guilt in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The DOJ rejected the notion that the accused’s right to a fair trial was violated.

California passes law to regulate private equity activity in healthcare

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 351, which improves regulatory oversight of dental and physician clinics owned by investment firms.

Florida patient sues hospital, cardiology practice for alleged negligence after leg amputation

The patient alleges she experienced significant delays in care after being rushed to the hospital for acute limb ischemia. She also says no vascular surgeons were available, limiting her treatment options.

money cybersecurity ransomware health IT data breach hacker

Private radiology practice will pay $3.25M to settle class-action lawsuit over cyberattack

Greenville, North Carolina-based Eastern Radiologists is denying any wrongdoing, deciding to settle the matter to avoid protracted litigation.

Missouri state house capitol Jefferson City

Planned Parenthood sues to block Missouri’s request for abortion records

The Missouri attorney general has demanded details on patient care, communications between providers and pregnant women, maintenance records and more in an effort to identify state residents who have sought abortions.

Lisa Miller, JD, former deputy assistant attorney general U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division, a former principal assistant deputy chief of the DOJ healthcare fraud unit, and now a partner in the legal firm Sidley Austin LLP, explains what the DOJ is looking for in Medicare fraud cases.

What the DOJ looks for to spot healthcare fraud

Former principal assistant deputy chief of the U.S. Department of Justice's Healthcare Fraud Unit, Lisa Miller, explains what the DOJ is looking for in healthcare fraud cases.

Legal News

Vascular imaging at heart of $71M fraud scheme—DOJ announces prison sentences

CMS defers $260M in Medicaid funds as part of ‘major crackdown on healthcare fraud’

Lawsuit challenges $300K hip replacement that left patient permanently impaired

Radiologist's report omission under investigation following patient death

Ohio health system sued by DOJ over alleged antitrust violations related to payer contracts