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.

Epic, provider groups sue companies over alleged scheme to sell patient data
In a lawsuit, the EHR giant accuses Health Gorilla, et al., of posing as patient care entities to gain access to nearly 300,000 medical records, in violation of HIPAA. Health Gorilla vehemently denies the allegations.
Senate Report: UnitedHealth was aggressive in seeking higher Medicare Advantage payments
The Wall Street Journal obtained a copy of a report from the Senate Judiciary Committee, which reviewed more than 50,000 documents sent by UnitedHealth related to its Medicare Advantage patients. The outlet published the findings of the inquiry.
Lawsuit alleges crew failed to act after man suffered stroke on flight
According to a new wrongful death lawsuit, members of the flight crew failed to pick up on a man's stroke symptoms, resulting in significant care delays. His family is now suing for damages in excess of $50,000.
Radiology-related errors have cost hospital system over $2M in recent years
A spokesperson for the organization described such errors as “sincerely regrettable,” adding that the mistakes go against their aim “to provide the best and safest care possible for our patients.”
Doctor faces 58 counts of unlawful opioid distribution, fraud as part of 'pill mill' operation
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that 52-year-old Ritesh Kalra, MD, wrote 50 prescriptions a day for addictive painkillers and billed New Jersey Medicaid for patient visits that never occurred. The alleged incidents occurred between 2019 and 2025.

‘Flesh-eating’ hoax on UnitedHealth leaves Las Vegas woman behind bars

Jennifer Forbes, 50, allegedly sent a cryptic, threatening letter to a UnitedHealthcare office along with an unknown substance. She has been charged with two counts of terrorism.

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.

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Wrongful death lawsuit filed after restrained hospital patient dies of cardiac arrest

The family of Gay Sherman Weintz, 55, said she died as a result of 24-hour physical restraint, combined with staff at Middlesex Hospital ignoring signs of a medical crisis. Her son, Chauncey Smith, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

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Lab owner indicted in $290M COVID fraud scheme pleads not guilty

Mahmood Sami Khan, 36, has been charged on five counts of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

State briefly bans university from issuing new radiologic technologist licenses, leaving hundreds ‘in limbo’

However, those fighting the decision declared victory Monday after filing a lawsuit against the New York Department of Health.

Jury finds PeaceHealth, ER doctor not liable for misdiagnosing patient’s stroke

After a three week trial, a jury found that PeaceHealth and Ralph Weiche, MD, acted in accordance with medical protocols in diagnosing Patricia Parker with a psychiatric condition, given her unusual symptoms.

DOJ announces 324 arrests in $14.6B healthcare fraud crackdown

Of those arrested, 96 are doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. All face charges related to telehealth prescriptions, illegal opioid distribution and fraudulent billing practices.

cybersecurity cyberattack hack hackers lock protection

4 cybersecurity best practices for radiology groups

Digitization of exams has made the imaging industry a “prime target” for cybercriminals, experts wrote recently in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Legal News

Epic, provider groups sue companies over alleged scheme to sell patient data

Senate Report: UnitedHealth was aggressive in seeking higher Medicare Advantage payments

Lawsuit alleges crew failed to act after man suffered stroke on flight

Radiology-related errors have cost hospital system over $2M in recent years

Doctor faces 58 counts of unlawful opioid distribution, fraud as part of 'pill mill' operation