Illinois Telemedicine Expansion: Physician payment and reimbursement

Telemedicine practices involves a new set of questions and answers insofar as physician payment and reimbursement for telehealth services. The laws that apply to traditional physician payment and reimbursement from insurance companies and U.S. government payers such as Medicare and Medicaid are not necessarily controlling law when it comes to telemedicine services. In some instances there are qualifications and requirements of physicians who use mobile health care in their practices and seek payment and reimbursement.

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Murder conviction: Doctor gets 30 years, patient drugs overprescribed

In a landmark legal decision earlier this month, the doctor convicted by a jury for second-degree murder of patients was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.[i] The doctor allegedly overprescribed drugs to patients. In response to the landmark decision and murder conviction, the medical community may change the rules and protocols for managing […]

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Illinois doctors fearful of investigation for participating in Medical Cannabis Pilot Program

Some doctors in Illinois are hesitant to provide referrals for medical marijuana as they hear news of the state medical licensing board and agencies investigating some of the physicians who do provide medical marijuana referrals. While doctors who participate in the practice of making medical marijuana referrals may be operating in compliance with state law, there is always potential for abuse. With the medical marijuana law, the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, in Illinois being relatively new, it is likely there are physicians who do not understand all the requirements and duties under the law. The doctors under investigation could receive a written reprimand or more discipline including the suspension and revocation of medical licenses and privileges.

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Dr. Whistleblower: Reporting $10 million in a Medicare billing fraud scheme, could share in recovery

Former CEO of a physician-hospital practice venture, Robert Dannenhoffer, MD, filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging his former employer terminated the doctor’s position in retaliation for Dannenhoffer reporting a $10 million Medicare fraud scheme. Dr. Dannenhoffer led investigators to discover a fraudulent payment scheme, by which doctors were being compensated more money in exchange […]

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Tax assessments, exemptions and appeals in Cook County

If you live in Cook County, you may have a real estate tax bill in your mailbox. While some residents simply write a check and pay the assessed taxes, others regularly challenge the assessments through the appeals process.

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Injured at work? Illinois workers’ compensation law and benefits

A recent news article highlighted a legal opinion concerning the availability of death benefits under workers compensation laws for the spouse of an employee who dies after suffering a heart attack after engaging in physical labor at work.[i] With several factors contributing to heart conditions, courts must apply the facts to the law and determine […]

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Medical experts in court and evidence based medicine with Dr. James Harlan of INSPE Associates, Ltd.

The Illinois Professional Licensing Consultants is a group of highly experienced attorneys and investigators who represent and defend licensed professionals. These featured attorneys, previously worked for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, and will represent and/or defend licensed professionals in cases involving the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois Department of Public Aid and Illinois […]

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On-duty emergency physicians are liable for damages despite the Good Samaritan Act

In Illinois, the Good Samaritan Act protects individuals giving instructions for aid, or rendering aid to others in emergencies, from civil liability for damages resulting in the process. Simply stated, a bystander or passerby who sees someone with an injury or emergency condition does not have a legal duty to stop and give general or […]

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New disclosure law helps colleges share student mental health information with parents

Illinois college student mental health information is to be shared with parents under a new law. All institutions of higher learning shall create policies and forms for students to pre-authorize in writing, a designated person to receive certain private mental health information. The need to provide for increased communication among parents and students is significant. […]

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Who should decide when senior physicians call it quits and retire from practicing medicine?

A recent study published by the American Medical Association (“AMA”) considers their position in consideration of a question about competency testing for aging physicians. State medical boards might also opine whom might have the duty to inquire about aging physician competency in furtherance of the best interests of the health and welfare of state residents […]

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