Practice Areas
The Law Offices of Art Kalantar maintains a robust healthcare law practice serving clients throughout Los Angeles County. We help doctors, pharmacists and healthcare providers navigate the complex web of California and federal healthcare laws and regulations, helping you protect your license and run your practice in an efficient and effective manner that complies with all applicable rules. Call on us for sound advice and professional representation regarding defense of fraud and abuse charges, anti-kickback and Stark Law prosecutions, and Medicare and Medic-Cal audits and investigations. We’ll help you manage the business side of your practice as well, from healthcare entity formation and licensing to entity purchase and sale to help you grow, wind down or expand your practice.
If you are a healthcare provider facing disciplinary action, we can represent you in any hearings and appeals to keep your professional license and protect your good name. If you are a patient attempting to enroll in Medicare or Medi-Cal, we offer technical assistance with your application and representation in appeals if your application is denied.
Finally, the Law Offices of Art Kalantar stands up for the rights of Angelenos who are victimized by consumer fraud, unfair debt collection and scams and schemes designed to take advantage of their trust and deprive them of their hard-earned dollars. If your rights to fair treatment have been violated, call our offices for a free consultation with a compassionate and dedicated California consumer protection attorney.
Below is a brief overview of some of the firm’s major areas of practice:
Fraud & Abuse Defense – The healthcare industry and the medical profession are highly regulated with complex laws and numerous regulations imposed at the local, state and national levels. Oversight and enforcement are becoming more vigorous, leading to more litigation and accusations that healthcare providers are acting inappropriately. At the Law Offices of Art Kalantar, we have the in-depth knowledge and experience from working in the healthcare industry for years plus more than a decade in healthcare law to represent healthcare providers accused of fraud or abuse. With our thorough understanding of applicable laws, we know how to build a strong defense when a provider is accused of fraud based on an innocent mistake or misunderstanding. We defend healthcare providers accused of providing redundant, abundant or unnecessary care; laundering money through private accounts; or making referrals for patients in violation of nepotism laws.
Anti-Kickback & Stark Laws – The federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKBS) makes it a federal crime to receive anything of value in exchange for making a referral or providing services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid or other government insurance programs. Hospital groups and pharmaceutical companies walk a fine line in promoting and urging doctors to utilize their goods and services, but it is the doctor who faces years in prison, tens of thousands in fines, losing a medical license, or being removed as a Medicare and Medicaid provider.
Additionally, the Stark Law prohibits doctors from ordering certain designated health services for Medicare or Medicaid patients from entities the doctor has a financial relationship with. This is difficult because often the facilities doctors know best are ones they are affiliated with; other times doctors may be part of large medical groups and unknowingly make a referral that could technically be considered a Stark Law violation. Many exceptions to the Stark Law do exist, however, and it is important to understand these exceptions and all relevant terms in the law. We’ll help you understand the scope of the Stark Law and AKBS and defend you when you are wrongly accused of violating the law.
Medicare & Medi-Cal Audits – Certain billing practices and documentation errors may trigger an audit or investigation from CMS, HHS or California DHCS. Alternatively, you can be randomly selected for an audit without there being any suspicion of wrongdoing on your part. An audit of your practice is a scary and intimidating matter, and for good reason; an audit brings with it the specter of expensive fines, the loss of a license and even criminal penalties.
The best way to deal with an audit is to prepare in advance and always be ready. The Law Offices of Art Kalantar will review your business records to make sure everything is in order or point out areas of concern, and we’ll prepare you for common inquiries by CMS and HHS. Preparing for an audit can help one from ever arising in the first place, or make sure you are ready when one does come. Our California healthcare lawyer is with you every step of the way, guiding and advising you and representing you throughout any Medicare or Medi-Cal audit or investigation.
Healthcare Entity Formation & Licensing – There are many different options available when forming a California business entity, and it’s always important to get the help of an experienced business law attorney to advise you on your options, select the right type of entity to meet your needs, and prepare and file the appropriate documents to make sure your business is appropriately licensed to operate in the state. These necessities are even greater when starting up a clinic, hospital group or other entity in the highly regulated and tightly controlled healthcare industry. Whether you are expanding an existing practice or just starting out on your own, the Law Offices of Art Kalantar takes the time to understand your needs, explain your options, and prepare and file all required documents and petitions for applicable licenses.
Healthcare Entity Purchase & Sale – Like forming a business entity, engaging in the purchase or sale of a business requires the assistance of an experienced business lawyer to conduct due diligence, negotiate favorable terms, ensure your rights and interests are protected, and manage the process to a smooth, successful conclusion. If you are interested in buying or selling a clinic, hospital group or other healthcare entity, we’ll help you make sure you have found the right buyer or entity to invest in for a profitable result, with your legal obligations carefully considered and spelled out. Attorney Art Kalantar has himself owned several healthcare businesses and knows what to watch out for when negotiating a purchase or sale.
Professional License Defense
As a healthcare professional, you depend on your license for your ability to practice in your field. Professional licensing boards have many reasons to go after your license if they suspect you are not performing according to their standards. Allegations of fraud, professional malpractice or even substance abuse can be grounds for disciplinary action, including the suspension or revocation of your license and the loss of your ability to practice your chosen profession. Having, skilled, strong and knowledgeable representation is key to defending your professional license against allegations and charges you have engaged in misconduct. We provide the advice and representation you need to protect your good name and livelihood.
Call The Law Offices of Art Kalantar for Advice and Representation from an Experienced and Knowledgeable California Healthcare Lawyer
For all your legal needs related to healthcare law in Los Angeles County, call the Law Offices of Art Kalantar at 310-773-0001 for a free consultation with a skilled and experienced California healthcare law attorney.