Medical Justice

05/26/2026

f you’re a physician—or work with one—this is something you should know 👇
In malpractice cases involving multiple defendants (like a doctor and a hospital), settlements are often paid as one lump sum. But here’s the catch: how that payment is reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) can vary a lot.
If the payment isn’t clearly divided, the full amount might be reported under each practitioner’s name. That’s a big deal for reputation and future career opportunities. [medicaljustice.com]
The good news? When possible, attorneys can advocate for a fair allocation before it’s reported.
Read the full article in the comments:
👉

05/15/2026

No one becomes a physician to deliver bad news—but it’s a responsibility that comes with the role.
And in those moments, how the message is delivered can matter just as much as the message itself.
A powerful reminder: people may forget the exact words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Compassion, presence, and empathy can make all the difference in life’s hardest conversations.
👇 We’ve shared the full article in the comments.

05/11/2026

OIG Exclusion. CMS Revocation. Medicare Preclusion.
These terms are often used interchangeably—yet they carry very different consequences for physicians.
Understanding the distinction can mean the difference between:
✔️ Temporary disruption
❌ Loss of billing privileges
❗ Long-term exclusion from federal programs
In our latest breakdown, we clarify:
• What each action actually means
• Who initiates it and why
• Practical implications for your practice
If you participate in Medicare or any federal program, this is essential reading.
👇 Link in the first comment

05/08/2026

Dr. Segal is featured on White Coats Counsel Podcast! 🎙️

In EP 003: “How to Attack Frivolous Lawsuits,” he joins Steve Lubell of Lubell Rosen to discuss how physicians can respond to frivolous lawsuits, false expert testimony, and reputation attacks that can impact medical practices and careers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how doctors can:
✅ Challenge frivolous lawsuits and abusive litigation tactics
✅ Understand expert witness immunity and accountability
✅ Respond to defamatory online reviews in a HIPAA-safe way
✅ Protect and strengthen professional reputation

Come check it out 👇
https://youtu.be/KX9zs24Um04?si=JmiDzLYgKtp3siuy

If you are a doctor facing frivolous lawsuits, false expert testimony, or damaging online reviews, this episode is a must-watch.In Episode 003 of White Coats...

04/27/2026

Timing is everything—especially when it comes to protecting your assets.
Many physicians only start thinking about asset protection after a lawsuit or claim appears. Unfortunately, at that point, the law may view certain transfers as improper—no matter how reasonable they seem.
The big lesson?
🕒 If asset protection isn’t in place before a claim arises, it may be too late to implement it safely.
This article breaks down what “too late” actually means and why planning ahead matters more than most doctors realize.
📖 Read more:
https://medicaljustice.com/blog/when-is-asset-protection-too-late-for-physicians/

Physicians often seek asset protection too late. Learn why timing is everything in fraudulent conveyance law and what physicians need to know now.

04/17/2026

Can a false Google review cross the line into defamation?
In a recent case, a physician successfully defended their reputation after a patient posted a review that went beyond opinion and into provably false claims. The court’s decision reinforces an important point: online reviews are powerful—but they aren’t exempt from accountability.
This case offers an important reminder for healthcare professionals navigating reputation management in the digital age.
(Full story in the comments 👇)

04/10/2026

Physicians: have you ever been told a contract is “standard” and not to worry about it?
One sentence buried in an agreement can expose you to personal financial liability—even for problems you didn’t cause.
This Medical Justice article explains the most dangerous indemnification traps in healthcare contracts and how small wording changes can protect you from:
✔ Paying legal fees from day one
✔ Covering hospital or vendor mistakes
✔ Taking on liabilities your insurance won’t cover
If you review or sign physician contracts, this is worth the read 👇
https://medicaljustice.com/blog/physician-healthcare-contracts-indemnification-traps/
Feel free to share with a colleague who’s negotiating a new agreement.

Indemnification clauses in physician contracts can create catastrophic personal liability. What physicians need to know before signing any agreement.

04/03/2026

A recent federal court ruling in California now prohibits nurse practitioners—even with doctorates—from calling themselves “Dr.” in clinical settings.
The judge ruled it “inherently misleading” to patients who expect a physician behind that title.
What this means:
✅ NPs, PAs, and similar professionals should update badges, websites, and profiles
✅ Front‑desk and clinical staff need clear scripts (“I’m Jane Doe, Nurse Practitioner”)
✅ Academic credentials (PhD, DNP) are fine in bios—but not used in patient-facing roles
Smart move—protects patients and maintains trust!
Read more:

A federal court upheld California's ban on non-physicians using "Dr." in clinical settings. What physicians and NPs need to know now.

03/20/2026

What happens when a physician’s split‑second decision becomes a long‑term professional issue?
A recent case involving an anesthesiologist who briefly left the operating room raises important questions about patient safety, medical misconduct, and how these situations are judged after the fact.
Beyond the clinical details, cases like this often take on a life of their own — influencing public perception, online content, and a physician’s reputation.
We take a closer look at what happened, how regulators typically evaluate these situations, and why context matters:
👉

A British anesthesiologist left a patient under anesthesia to pursue a personal rendezvous. No sanction imposed. What physicians need to know.

03/13/2026

Eye‑opening report from Medical Justice.
Certain patients with Venezuelan or Caribbean ancestry may carry a rare genetic variant that puts them at risk during anesthesia.
This article explains the science, the risks, and what surgeons should be doing to protect patients.
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Patients of Venezuelan ancestry face catastrophic anesthesia risks from an ND4 gene mutation. What surgeons and anesthesiologists need to know now.

03/11/2026

Dr. Segal on The Doctor’s Crossing Podcast!
He breaks down the top risks physicians face today — from online reviews to difficult patient encounters — and how to protect yourself before issues escalate.
Listen to the full episode here 👇
https://doctorscrossing.com/episode242/

Struggling with negative online reviews as a physician? Dr. Jeffrey Segal shares practical, HIPAA-safe strategies to respond professionally, protect your reputation, generate positive reviews, and prevent burnout from online criticism.