New Billing Notification Practices at Local Imaging Center Spark Discussion on Healthcare Transparency Laws

Recently, residents like myself in Colorado Springs, Colorado, encountered a new type of notification from healthcare providers concerning billing practices that may indicate a shift towards greater transparency in medical billing. Specifically, an imaging center informed us that for upcoming procedures, we should expect two separate charges: one for the use of facility resources and another for the medical professionals conducting the examination. It was further noted that some or all of these charges might not be covered by health insurance, advising us to verify coverage beforehand. This preemptive notification sparked curiosity about whether it … Read more

CFPB Cracks Down on Medical Debt Collectors Over Unfair Billing Practices

Washington, D.C. — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a stringent advisory targeting the practices of medical debt collectors, emphasizing the prohibition of collecting charges that are erroneous or legally nonviable. The advisory reinforces the federal stance against deceptive and unfair practices in medical billing, a critical move as the nation grapples with soaring medical debt levels. Rohit Chopra, Director of the CFPB, in a recent statement highlighted the frequent billing inaccuracies, such as exaggerated charges or billing for unprovided services, that plague patient invoices. “The CFPB is committed to ensuring that no … Read more

UK Law Firms Begin to Embrace AI: Shifts in Billing and Efficiency on the Horizon

LONDON — A transformative wave, spurred by the advent of generative artificial intelligence (genAI), is beginning to ripple through the UK’s legal sector, according to a recent survey by LexisNexis. The comprehensive study, which canvassed opinions from over 800 lawyers, revealed a noticeable shift in attitudes towards the integration of AI technologies within legal practices, particularly concerning billing and operational efficiencies. The report indicates a growing willingness among private practice lawyers to reconsider traditional billing models in light of AI advancements. While 39% of respondents anticipate changes in how their firms will charge for services, … Read more

Federal Judge Warns Providence Attorney of Scrutiny Over Billing Practices in Court Ruling

Boston, MA – A Providence attorney has been put on notice by a federal judge that his billing records will be closely examined in the future. The judge, Allison D. Burroughs, made this warning after awarding plaintiff Jose Gomes Ferreira Vaz half of the attorneys’ fees he had requested as the prevailing party in his appeal against the Social Security Administration’s denial of his disability benefits claim. Judge Burroughs expressed concerns over the billing practices at Green & Greenberg, the law firm representing Vaz. The government had opposed the award of attorneys’ fees, citing issues … Read more