What Does a Healthcare Attorney Do?
Healthcare attorneys deal with the regulations and practices of healthcare institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes.They often represent healthcare organizations and healthcare professionals by providing advice, drafting contracts, and aiding in the creation of company policies. Under potential violations, a healthcare lawyer will assist in investigation and litigation.
Lawyers specializing in healthcare law also work with individuals who have issues with healthcare services. They can communicate with the hospital on your behalf, negotiate with them, or represent you in a lawsuit.
How Do I Know If I Need a Healthcare Attorney?
You may need a healthcare attorney to handle the following topics:As a healthcare organization or employee:
- Following regulations like the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, or the False Claims Act
- Contracts and company policies
- Government investigations
As a patient:
- Health insurance issues
- Payment disputes
- Discrimination by a health provider claims
If you're a patient injured by a medical procedure, you may want the advice of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer.
How Much Does a Healthcare Attorney Cost?
The method of billing used depends both on your legal issue and on the lawyer you're using. Many healthcare attorneys charge an hourly rate, but some also charge based on a contingency if there is a chance that you will win a large amount of money. When a lawyer charges a contingency fee, there's no up front payment and your lawyer will take a percentage only if you win your case.Speak with your attorney up front to determine a billing rate and make sure that you both sign off on it.
What Should I Expect When Working with a Healthcare Attorney?
As a healthcare professional, you can expect your lawyer to guide you through the regulations that govern the healthcare industry. You may be able to avoid legal complications in the future if your attorney crafts company contracts and policies that follow regulations and anticipate trends.As a patient, you can expect your healthcare attorney communicates your issue effectively to the healthcare institution. If the institution doesn't resolve your issue or doesn't want to go into negotiations, your attorney is able to file the necessary paperwork for a lawsuit.
A healthcare attorney is the best resource when it comes to knowing what your specific case will lead to, so it's best to consult with a lawyer and learn about your options.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
