Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendantor accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

police cop car siren

New lawsuit alleges a woman’s brain bleed was mistaken for drunken driving, causing significant harm

A Washington woman was pulled over and arrested because a state trooper thought she was driving under the influence. It turned out that she was not drunk, but suffering from a frontal-lobe subdural hematoma. She has now filed a lawsuit against the county. 

February 9, 2024

DOJ targets former imaging executive with new complaint over alleged kickback scheme

Back in October, a mobile cardiac imaging provider and its CEO agreed to pay $85 million to settle allegations they had participated in a kickback scheme. This latest DOJ complaint focuses on a former executive not named in that initial settlement. 

February 6, 2024
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Cardiologist arrested for allegedly making ‘inappropriate sexual contact’ with multiple patients

Detectives believe there may be additional victims of the Texas cardiologist. Former patients with anything to report are being asked to call in and share their stories. 

February 5, 2024
man in prison behind bars

Cardiologist’s alleged sexual assaults prompt lawmakers to introduce new legislation

While Stephen Matthews sits in jail for allegedly raping women he met online, lawmakers are saying his case is evidence that dating apps need to be better regulated.

February 1, 2024
According to the U.S. government, Asante Health System and one of its surgeons knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for more than six years. Heart surgery surgeons.

Oregon health system, cardiothoracic surgeon agree to pay $430K to settle fraud allegations

According to the U.S. government, Asante Health System and one of its surgeons knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for more than six years. 

January 18, 2024
A gavel and a stethoscope

Woman files lawsuit claiming Panera’s highly caffeinated beverages gave her heart issues

The 28-year-old woman says she drank two and a half Charged Lemonade drinks and was in the emergency room the very next day. According to her lawsuit, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and is now taking daily heart medications. 

January 18, 2024
Questions

Dead prisoner’s heart still missing as his family seeks answers

The heart of a 43-year-old prisoner is still missing nearly eight weeks after he was found dead at Ventress Correctional Facility in Alabama. A judge heard from five witnesses on Jan. 5, but made little progress on solving the mystery.

January 8, 2024
Judge bangs gavel

Fraud charges against cardiologist dismissed after 8-year legal battle

The veteran interventional cardiologist was initially sentenced to five years in prison for healthcare fraud. After multiple appeals and some significant updates, however, he was granted a new trial. 

January 5, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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