Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

Not all relationships are meant to last forever. If you terminate a doctor-patient relationship, you shouldn’t do so in the middle of a treatment plan. And generally, you are required to continue care for 30 days or until the patient finds another provider, whichever comes first. And you should make records available to the new doctor. And provide general information on how to find a new doctor … Read more

Non-compete agreements work for the employer. They don’t really make the employee’s life easier.  I understand the rationale. The employer invests heavily in a new recruit. This individual will be a loss-leader for a while. The employer built the practice. The employer believes he built the employee’s practice. And showed the employee all the tricks needed to be successful.  It would be maddening for this employee to leave after 9 … Read more

A Board complaint can evolve into an investigation. An investigation can evolve into charges being filed. Once filed, your license is at risk.   The Medical Board may offer an agreement in lieu of a hearing. The agreement would stipulate terms and conditions.   The ostensible carrot is that you’d be bargaining for a certain outcome with terms you can live with.   On the other hand, you’d be … Read more

Medicine is highly regulated. If you have the misfortune of being convicted and imprisoned, is there a path back to practicing medicine?   I have had clients who served time in prison. They are now gainfully employed in the practice of medicine.   So, the answer is yes, it IS possible. But it’s not guaranteed. Or easy.  Let’s start with … Read more

You do not need to be board-certified in your specialty to practice medicine. But you do need to be board certified to obtain initial licensure though the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. You do not need to be board-certified in your specialty to participate in plain-vanilla Medicare. But you do need to be board certified to … Read more