How Lincare Cashed In on the Disastrous Recall of Philips Breathing Machines — at the Expense of Patients
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. For users of breathing machines made by Philips Respironics, recent years have been a nightmare in multiple acts. First came complaints of illnesses and injuries caused by the devices. Then came reports of deaths. Then came a large-scale recall that itself was beset by problems. Now ProPublica has learned of another episode. As Philips struggled to execute its recall in 2022, it turned to its biggest distributor, a company called Lincare, to help ensure that replacement equipment would reach the patients who needed it most. But instead of...
Understanding the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) is a crucial law in the healthcare industry. It criminalizes the act of paying someone to refer patients or generate business when any form of state or federal healthcare program funds—such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, and TriCare—are involved. Many states have their own versions of this law. While it seems straightforward, many physicians and healthcare businesses find it challenging to comply with this foundational healthcare regulation. Case Study: A Warning from North Carolina Consider the case of a medical practice in North Carolina. The practice routinely sent patients’ blood work to a lab, a common procedure in the medical field. However,...
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Boca Raton Regional Hospital Appoints Dr. William Holubek as Chief Medical Officer
Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, announces the appointment of William Holubek, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer. In his new role, Dr. Holubek will oversee the medical and clinical aspects of the hospital, collaborating with leaders throughout Baptist Health to shape policies and procedures. “With a proven track record of leadership and operational excellence, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Holubek to be a part of our team here at Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” said Lincoln Mendez, North Region Executive of Baptist Health, and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “With a focus on innovation and patient-centered care, Dr. Holubek aligns perfectly with our mission, and...
What Kennedy Must Do to Defeat Regulatory Capture
President-Elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services is cause for celebration for anyone who cares about the pharmaceutical industry’s influence over regulatory agencies, and the deleterious effect it has had on the health of Americans. It is nearly impossible to express just how remarkable and potentially world-changing this is. Only a few years ago, it would have been beyond the imagination of any serious political commentator. Those of us who believe in the freedom of medical choice – and especially those who have been personally harmed by the industry – have every reason to be ecstatic. But even if Kennedy is confirmed,...
