Why attorneys contact treating providers
Attorneys usually contact a practice to obtain records, ask for clarification of a note, request a narrative report or schedule testimony. They are trying to understand the medical picture so they can advise their client. For a practice, these requests are part of treating patients within a legal system.
Handling them efficiently, with a named contact and a clear process, saves time for everyone and reduces the risk of errors or delays that can affect a patient’s benefits.
Records and authorizations
Release records only with a valid authorization or as otherwise permitted by law, and only what is requested. Many states set copy fees and response timeframes for workers’ comp records, and some allow particular parties to obtain records without the usual authorization. Check your state’s rules.
A written records policy helps your staff respond consistently, whether the request comes from the patient’s attorney, the employer’s attorney or an insurer.
- Who at the practice handles legal records requests
- What authorization is required
- Applicable fees and expected turnaround
- How records are delivered securely
Reports, depositions and fees for your time
Narrative reports and depositions take time, and it is common for practices to charge reasonable fees for them, often subject to state rules or fee schedules. Set those fees in advance, apply them consistently and keep them separate from any question of who referred the patient.
When writing a report, answer the questions asked with your honest medical opinion. If an attorney’s question is leading or outside your expertise, say so. Your credibility is the most valuable thing you bring.
Medical independence and referrals
A treating provider’s opinions must remain independent of any attorney, employer or insurer. Never accept anything of value in exchange for referrals of patients, and never adjust an opinion because of the source of a patient. Federal and state anti-kickback and self-referral laws, and professional rules, can apply.
Referral fees or arrangements beyond what the law allows are not appropriate. On prescriptions.plus, doctors and attorneys each pay only their own monthly marketing subscription, and the share-code discount is a fixed courtesy from the site on that fee, never a payment between professionals.
Being visible to attorneys
Attorneys on the site can see provider listings in their territory, and both sides can share free educational resources with patients and clients. Visibility is not a referral arrangement; it simply makes it easier for professionals to understand who treats work injuries locally.
For prescriptions that patients need delivered, the provider mail-order pharmacy program at /mail-order-pharmacy is the most requested offer. NPI-verified provider tools are available through Provider Back Office at https://providerbackoffice.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can we charge for narrative reports?+
Many practices do, often subject to state rules or fee schedules. Set fees in advance, apply them consistently and keep them unrelated to referrals.
Can an attorney pay us for sending patients?+
Payments for referrals beyond what the law allows are not appropriate and may be illegal. Check your state’s rules and federal law before entering any arrangement.
What if an attorney asks us to change a note?+
Correct genuine factual errors through your normal amendment process. Do not change clinical opinions at anyone’s request.
Is coordinating with attorneys a conflict of interest?+
Responding to authorized requests and providing honest opinions is a normal part of treating injured workers. The key is keeping your clinical judgment independent.
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only.