Healthcare and the laws that govern it are changing just about every day. New regulations seem to appear out of nowhere, and the slightest mishap can land you and your employees in court. There are seven reasons why choosing hospital defense attorneys will be the best choice for you.
1. Litigation for Health Professionals
Litigation is the fast path to a lifetime income in some people’s minds. The only hope of protecting yourself and your employees is an experienced attorney. However, a decade of experience may not be enough. Look for hospital defense attorneys that offer a broad area of focus. Litigation includes wrongful death, medical malpractice issues for all medical and hospital personnel, experience in courtroom trials, the appellate court, and the state Supreme Court.
2. Compliance
One of the most common areas of litigation and revenue losses involves compliance issues. You want hospital defense attorneys that will inform you of any modifications, and someone who can identify problems before they arise.
3. Abuse and Fraud Charges
Qui Tam Actions, also known as whistleblower acts, are false claims. They are more prevalent than ever. The Stark Law contains several areas that increase the risk of fraud charges such as in-office ancillary services. A qualified attorney can guide hospitals and physicians through the maze of prohibited referrals.
4. Overpayment Recovery Laws
Certifications and Licensure issues accreditation rules are forever changing. The specifics can be confusing. Licensure and certification requirement updates must be provided on a regular basis to avoid losses. A lawyer has to respond quickly and efficiently to any violations and negotiate resolutions.
5. Managed Care, Medicare, and Medicaid
These navigate the federal and state regulations as well as informing the client. They create a plan to prevent violations and revenue losses. Also, they resolve disputes regarding reimbursement.
6. HIPAA and Health Information Exchanges
Hospital defense attorneys will create a strategy to prevent violations and improve compliance through timely updates of changing regulations. They will oversee ‘meaningful use audits’ in pre and post payment stages under the incentive program. They will also update the facility with current shifts in the meaningful use requirements.
This plan also includes stipulating who has access to protected information. A physician without hospital privileges will attempt to review his or her patient’s chart, or the nurses will want to check on a patient’s condition without caring for them. Circumstances such as these demand clarification to avert compromising confidentiality and conflicts within the work venue.
7. Fair Employment Practices
Preventing problems through adequate benefit packages and fair employment policies require the knowledge only experienced hospital defense attorneys can provide. Employees are the gears that grow the business so keeping them happy and safe is a must. However, when issues do arise, you want a rapid resolution that is satisfactory to all. Lawsuits suggesting prejudices against race, religious practices, and gender occur on a frequent basis. They require the services of the best attorneys available.
