October, 2011

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Cheating, Irregular Behavior and Other Maladies Plaguing Future Physicians: A Two-Part Series

The Health Law Firm

The road to becoming a physician is paved with many unique challenges. The uphill battle begins with rigorous undergraduate course work, followed by the MCAT and medical school applications. Upon acceptance into medical school, the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) and its STEP 1 and STEP 2 exams provide another hurdle. At any of these stages, a student can be accused of numerous faults including cheating, misrepresentation, falsification of information, unfair advantages and t

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Responding to a Medicare Audit - Practice Tips

The Health Law Firm

Although you may speak of a "routine" Medicare audit, there is really no such creature. This is like saying you have a "routine IRS audit." The fact is that there is some item you have claimed as a Medicare provider or the amount of claims Medicare has paid in a certain category that has caused you or your practice to be audited. Having too many claims for level five CPT codes might, for example, cause you to be audited.

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The Collateral Effects of a Criminal Case on a Health Care Licensee

The Health Law Firm

Criminal charges against a health care professional can have serious consequences. This post will discuss the impact of a criminal charge on a Florida licensed health professional. What is the Effect of a Plea of Nolo Contendere for a Florida Licensed Health Professional? Pursuant to the general chapter of Florida Statutes applicable to all licensed health professionals (Chapter 456), a plea of nolo contendere is treated the same as a plea of guilty for all purposes.

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The 25 Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make After Being Notified of a Department of Health Complaint

The Health Law Firm

The investigation of a complaint which could lead to the revocation of a physician's license to practice medicine and the assessment of tens of thousands of dollars in fines, usually starts with a simple letter from the Department of Health (DOH). This is a very serious legal matter and it should be treated as such by the physician who receives it. Yet, in many cases, attorneys are consulted by physicians after the entire investigation is over, and they have attempted to represent themselves thr

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The Evolution of Communication in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare communication has evolved from handwritten notes and paper charts to digital tools like EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-powered platforms. This blog explores how these advancements improve patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance provider collaboration. Learn about the role of mobile health (mHealth) apps, secure messaging, and social media in bridging communication gaps.

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New Florida Drug Database Aimed at Preventing Drug Abuse

The Health Law Firm

Recently, Florida pharmacists, physicians and pain management clinics have received negative attention over frequent Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids. Now, Florida is once again in the spotlight as the state has launched a drug database in an attempt to reduce drug abuse perpetuated by visits to the doctor. According to the Orlando Sentinel , this database will allow physicians and pharmacists to review a patient's prescription history before issuing prescriptions for painkillers like

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The DEA's War on Pain Management

The Health Law Firm

Within the last few years, raids on pain management clinics, as well as pharmacies, have been increasingly commonplace. The doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals involved are carted away in handcuffs and must defend their practice. According to the St. Petersburg Times , a South Florida pain management clinic has recently been shut down under emergency action by the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

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Florida Hospital Recovering from Privacy Breach

The Health Law Firm

As a health care provider, keeping patient medical records confidential is a fundamental aspect of the job description. Within those records, the most private details of a person's life are revealed, details, that if leaked, may ruin the reputation of the patient and the health care provider. According to the Orlando Sentinel , Florida Hospital is currently trying to recover from the damaging effects of a breach of its medical electronic records.

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Florida "Wrongful Births" Leave Health Providers Liable

The Health Law Firm

According to statistics , approximately 98,000 Americans die each year as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented. This is an example of 'wrongful death,' a term recognizable to many. However, the term 'wrongful birth' may not provide the same familiarity, but is causing just as much commotion in the legal arena. In 2007, the Tampa Tribune provided details of such a case involving a University of South Florida doctor.

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Florida Doctor Arrested for Drug Sales and Other Criminal Charges

The Health Law Firm

Drug trafficking charges against a medical doctor are not a new concept, especially in Florida. Recent pill mill busts throughout the state have resulted in an omnipresent DEA, always on the lookout for illegal drug sales by pharmacies, pharmacists, pain management clinics and physicians. However, the recent arrest of a Central Florida doctor extends beyond the run of the mill "pill mill" bust, as the accusations in this case involve sex with a minor and delivering a controlled substance to a mi

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3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.