Medicine & the Law

A closer inspection leads to the conclusion that the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 likely will not promote wide-scale private Medicare contracting.

For the first time, a federal court has specifically extended vicarious liability principles to an HMO, which made it liable for negligent acts of a physician.

The OIG’s 1998 Work Plan describes numerous projects, including program audits, program inspections and investigative initiatives it plans to perform.

An opinion released by the Office of Inspector General raises significant questions regarding the validity of common payment mechanisms under Physician Practice Management contracts.

The majority of residents in their first year of training will join an established private practice, work for an HMO or be employed by a health institution or system. Here’s how they can scrutinize the major provisions found in a typical contract.

The scope of federal and state fraud and abuse enforcement efforts are steadily increasing nationwide, confronting providers with criminal, civil and administrative sanctions. A well-designed compliance plan can deter improper conduct and can identify it before much damage can be done.

Medical groups commonly enter into independent contractor relationships with specialists, billing for their services through reassignment of Medicare benefit payments. But physicians must ensure that their reassignment practices do not run afoul of HCFA’s intent to enforce prohibitions against some forms of reassignment

Physicians devote considerable attention to the timing and amount of contributions to their IRAs, but often miss a factor essential to their well-being: the ability of creditors to go after plan assets.

Consider your legal responsibilities and liabilities when prescribing drug combinations

Changes have been proposed for Stark II regulations on physician group referrals to ancillary services. Some of the proposals may nullify common strategies to meet referral requirements.