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.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) HQ

HHS offers update on comms pause as rapid policy shifts continue

A spokesperson told HealthExec that "several types of external communications" are no longer subject to any pause, including urgent public health alerts. 

Elon Musk Neuralink

Musk’s DOGE granted access to CMS records in search of ‘big money fraud’

The pseudo-government organization led by billionaire Elon Musk has been given read-only access to payment, contract and staffing records at the agency. 

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Oklahoma cardiologist and his clinic pay $270K to settle whistleblower lawsuit

A Tulsa-based cardiology clinic was accused of submitting false claims for E&M services over a period of several years.

Cigna

Cigna announces changes to improve prior authorization, customer satisfaction

The insurance giant said it will link executive compensation to provider and patient satisfaction, in addition to releasing an annual transparency report on claims reimbursement and denials.

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UnitedHealthcare in dispute with maternity practice over $1M in claims

Axia Women’s Health has accused the insurer of failing to honor continuity of care agreements for 2,100 patients, while questions remain over fair pricing and appropriate care delivery.

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Surgeon accused of wrongfully removing liver had history of malpractice, lawsuit alleges

Thomas Shaknovsky, MD, and his former employer, Ascension, are accused of covering up the death of William Bryan. His death was ruled a homicide. 

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Family suspects coverup after woman found dead on hospital roof

Chelsea Adolphus, 28, died of hypothermia. The family claims the hospital lied about where her body was located. 

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Judge dismisses lawsuit against Texas cardiologist

Two hospitals had accused the interventional cardiologist of working with other healthcare providers to interfere with recruitment efforts.

Around the web

A string of executive orders from the White House created serious concerns among radiologists and other healthcare providers throughout the United States. The American College of Radiology issued a statement to help guide its members through the chaos. 

Bridgefield Capital, founded in 2015, has previously invested in such popular brands as Cirque Du Soleil, Del Monte and Quiksilver. This transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025. 

Given the precarious excitement of the moment—or is it exciting precarity?—policymakers and healthcare leaders must set directives guiding not only what to do with AI but also when to do it.