The state’s lawsuit against Jeanette Martello, MD, is unprecedented, according to the report. California’s managed healthcare department claims there were at least 10 court cases in which Dr. Martello allegedly violated the law by seeking reimbursement from managed care patients.
Under state law, patients with managed care plans are entitled to have emergency care covered. Payment disputes are supposed to be resolved between the physician and the healthcare plan.
The report mentions one patient who received treatment from Dr. Martello in the emergency department of Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, Calif. When the patient’s insurance company reimbursed Dr. Martello for $3,500 of the $12,630 bill, she allegedly returned the check and filed suit against the patient, his wife and his business for the full amount. She also allegedly began a process that would force the sale of the patient’s home, according to the report.
Dr. Martello’s attorney, Andrew Selesnick, said his client lawfully pursued her rights to collect fees for her services. Huntington Memorial Hospital also released a statement that Dr. Martello was no longer under contract to provide on-call emergency services, according to the report.
The California Medical Board has filed a separate accusation against Dr. Martello. It claims she was illegally balance billing and has petitioned to revoke her medical license. The board also accused her of engaging in unprofessional conduct by requiring patients visiting emergency rooms to sign agreements to pay her costs if their insurance companies didn’t, according to the report.
More Articles on Physicians and Lawsuits:
Employees Sue Truman Medical Center in Kansas City Over Pension Plans
Radiology Group Sues St. Peter’s Hospital in Montana Over Staff Privileges
Whistleblower Suit Alleges Florida Adventist Hospitals Overbilled Tens of Millions
