In 2011, the country spent $2.4 trillion on health care and it is estimated that up to 10 or even 20% of added health care expenditures are attributable to legal costs arising from various causes of action that possibly could be prevented.
Consequently the Barrera Law Firm is starting a new service for small to medium health care practices and professionals that assists them reduce exposure to potential legal claims arising from their operations.
“Having experience as a plaintiff’s attorney in bringing legal claims against health care providers in areas such as Medicaid fraud, malpractice and wrongful termination puts me in a unique position to help train, organize, and implement policies and simple procedures to assist providers in reducing legal liability in various areas,” say Ric Barrera.
The program consists of the following services:
- An Initial attorney-client privileged interview in which immediate legal concerns related to the facility are discussed;
- A review of employment policies and interview of personnel in charge of human resources regarding current implementation of those existing procedures;
- A random 50 chart audit conducted to determine compliance issues in areas such as patient privacy, patient history, informed consent, documentation, and billing practices; and
- An inspection of the entire facility.
The result is a step-by-step program designed to address current needs of the health care practice. The program aims to correct or implement various policy and procedures that will assist the facility in reducing potential legal claims. The program also includes a one hour legal seminar on workplace matters to educate staff on certain employment related matters.
The program is offered for a flat fee with follow up communication and guidance regarding the program’s implementation included.
“We believe this is a vital service that will help facilities and professionals take pro-active steps to avoid the legal minefield that exists today in health care,” concluded Barrera.