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.

FTC shuts down alleged health insurance fraud scheme involving the sale of low-quality plans
The owners of several telemarketing companies, along with the organizations themselves, have been named as defendants in a federal lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission alleges that the group would sell bundled services as supposed “PPO” plans, leaving patients to discover that services were not covered.
New case law could put radiologists on hook for imaging-order appropriateness
“Radiologists should exercise caution when implementing...protocoling workﬂows that bypass independent radiologist review," one expert writes in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Clinic selling electrical stimulation pain relief pays $380K to resolve fraud allegations
The U.S. Department of Justice said Wisconsin-based Apple Clinic and its owner Michael Johnson, MD, were using a combination of nerve density testing, vitamin injections and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain, billing Medicare for these medically unnecessary services.
Where physicians have become more litigious than hospitals over unpaid patient bills
Of all lawsuits filed against patients in 2024 in one U.S. state, physician practices and other non-hospital healthcare entities accounted for 80% of cases. That’s a complete inversion from just six years prior.
DOJ seeks to freeze assets of telehealth company, alleging 'runaway campaign of lawbreaking'
The U.S. Department of Justice said it worries its lawsuit could ultimately bankrupt the telehealth group, leaving little money for alleged victims. The company is said to have refused to cancel member accounts, forcing patients to file credit card disputes to get refunds. This is in addition to other arguably more serious accusations levied by the DOJ.

What’s in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—and what was left out?

Sweeping tax cuts and reduced spending on Medicaid and SNAP were signed into law by President Donald Trump. However, a key provision that would have paused new AI regulations was removed by the Senate.

‘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.

Legal News

FTC shuts down alleged health insurance fraud scheme involving the sale of low-quality plans

New case law could put radiologists on hook for imaging-order appropriateness

Clinic selling electrical stimulation pain relief pays $380K to resolve fraud allegations

Where physicians have become more litigious than hospitals over unpaid patient bills

DOJ seeks to freeze assets of telehealth company, alleging 'runaway campaign of lawbreaking'