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.

Hospital faces $3.5M settlement after sharing patient data with Facebook

That number could rise to $6.75 million, depending on the number of patients who sign onto the class-action settlement levied against Virginia Mason Medical Center. The hospital does not admit to wrongdoing.

Radiologist claims he was shorted in $20M imaging center sale to private equity platform

Gregory R. Ball, MD, of Orchard Park, New York, and his attorneys filed the complaint against Southtowns Radiology Associates et al. on Feb. 24.

FDA sued over ‘reckless and arbitrary’ semaglutide decision

The Outsourcing Facilities Association, a Texas-based trade group, is alleging that supply issues still remain for Ozempic and Wegovy. The group believes the FDA has ignored those issues.

Walgreens resolves $595M lawsuit over COVID testing

The dispute was with Everly Health, a telemedicine provider contracted to fulfill orders for COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. Walgreens was accused of violating provisions of a service agreement.

Radiology Partners fires back in battle with Aetna, accusing payer of ‘shamelessly prioritizing profits’

"We vehemently refute all their manufactured allegations, and we will vigorously defend our position," CEO Rich Whitney, MBA, said Wednesday.

Appeals court rejects radiologist’s attempt to revive whistleblower suit over ‘troubling’ IR colleague

Surgeons purportedly labeled the interventional rad the "Boston Butcher" after he allegedly flubbed several procedures, with 1 leading to a patient's death.

Senate Judiciary Chair demands UnitedHealth turn over Medicare records

The request comes from a letter by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who told the company to deliver records on compliance audits and medical chart reviews.

SimonMed Imaging failed to protect patient information before ransomware attack, class action lawsuit claims

Maricopa County, Arizona, resident Rosemary Hamermaster and others are seeking a jury trial and damages of more than $5 million.

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