The Visiting Nurse Service of New York, a nonprofit home health care agency, has recently been named in a lawsuit under the Federal and State False Claims Act alleging that the agency improperly and falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid.

It is hard to believe that such a long standing agency that has served its state resident since 1893 has had this claim filed against them.  Visiting Nurse Service of New York denies the allegations.

Remember that there are 2 sides of every lawsuit and, in this particular action I should note, this investigation is based on the claim of a disgruntled former vice-president of operations who left the company.

Also, one must keep in mind that in a lawsuit there are facts on both sides.  When you read or hear things like this, of course you will find the story very concerning.  However, we should trust our legal system and wait to see how the matter develops and, of course, how it turns out.

If you are ever are named in a medical malpractice matter in any fashion, I again urge you to remember that there are 2 sides to every story.  Along with the facts being presented, there will be experts to testify for both sides and the legal process will work it out.

That being said, prevention is the best key to avoid being named in a lawsuit.  Some things you can do is to build a good relationship with your clients and … document, document, document!