By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the adverse long-term collateral effects of Medicare revocation or exclusion on their careers and future employment. However, if you are a physician, dentist, nurse, mental health counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, massage therapist, or other licensed health professional whose license is revoked or suspended, there may still be hope.
Lasting Consequences of Medicare Revocation.
A revocation or exclusion from Medicare is often a severe consequence of license discipline on a professional license and can devastate a provider’s career. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can revoke a healthcare provider’s agreement to participate in Medicare. When this occurs, their Medicare billing privileges are terminated. Their legal authority to write prescriptions, referrals or orders for tests paid by Medicare also vanishes.
Additionally, the exclusion can last for many years. This can be a career-ending move for many healthcare providers especially physicians, as Medicare revocation is reported to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB). In addition, it can potentially affect their opportunities to work in hospitals with other Medicare providers, or on health insurance panels.
For this reason, healthcare providers need to retain a health law attorney with experience in licensing issues who can help them navigate the complex legal system Medicare presents. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the case, develop a strategy for defending the provider’s license, recommend actions to avoid or mitigate the damages, and represent them in administrative hearings or proceedings in court. In some cases, an effective legal strategy may minimize the impact of discipline or even prevent Medicare revocation or exclusion. However, the best way to protect against license discipline and its consequences is to ensure that you are in compliance with Medicare standards, regulations and procedures.
If you have had a license suspended or revoked, or you are facing imminent action against your license, it is imperative that you contact an experienced healthcare attorney to assist in defending you. Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you should not attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an experienced health care attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Medicare issues and in defense of actions in personal and facility licensing actions.
To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at
www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Sources:
Hollender, Allison and Wortley, Mackenzie. “Collateral Consequences of Medicare Revocations.” AHLA. (March 9, 2021). Web.
Simas, Steven. “Collateral Consequence of Healthcare License Discipline – Medicare Exclusion.” SIMAS & Associates. (October 3, 2017). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.
Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in the practice of health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.
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