Moreno Valley DC arrested for Sexual Battery in his office
A 52-year-old chiropractor in Moreno Valley was arrested September 11, 2019 on suspicion of sexual battery. Last year there was a similar complaint, but the police did not have sufficient evidence. He was charged with inappropriately touching a woman at his office.
Riverside Sheriffs are publicly calling for other patients who may have similar complaints to contact the sheriff’s department.
SIDE SWIPE ACCIDENT BY TRAILER TRACTOR GETS BIG VERDICT
Robert Kidd was driving his car and was struck and pushed by a trailer tractor which unsafely merged into his lane.
Defendant admitted liability but disputed Kidd’s injuries. However, Kidd waited weeks until he saw a chiropractor. The DC examination revealed that Kidd suffered a bulging lumbar disc which produced daily pain. Kidd also complained of memory loss and difficulty processing information -- impacting his work, sleep and business activity. The DC immediately referred Kidd to a neurologist for a full concussion workup. The neurologist diagnosed Kidd with a severe concussion.
Defense argued that the delay in care was unreasonable. However, Kidd’s doctors claimed that the concussion interfered with his ability to get timely care.
The case was resolved for $395,000.
Kidd vs. M&J Trucking, Judge John Vineyard, Riverside Superior Court RIC 172191, April 15, 2019
Practice Tips:
Concussions are often missed in big impact cases.
Smart DC’s will want to know about the body mechanics of the accident. Getting pictures is crucial.
Listen to loved ones close to the patient for concussion symptoms. Often, the patient doesn’t know.
If you suspect a concussion make sure the patient completes a concussion questionnaire. Get the questionnaire from johntawlian@shawnsteel.com.
ACE TIPS
We were just burned. The patient’s chiropractor goofed up and he was exposed during deposition. Here’s how we can all avoid this embarrassment.
Do not tell your patient that you intend on cutting/negotiating your bill when their case settles. In doing so, you are essentially admitting that you are intentionally overbilling and when that patient gets into their deposition, they will inevitably put that on the record. At best, then, you will be forced to answer some difficult questions in your deposition but at worst you will end up on the wrong side of an SSI investigation and/or audit. If you bill reasonably, you shouldn’t have to negotiate your bill when the case settles but if you do choose to reduce your bill, you can decide that on a case by case basis once the case has resolved.
Medical Test Scam at Your Office Caveat
Several years ago, a notorious scam impacted many chiropractic and acupuncture offices. The scam involved a group that offered extensive medical tests including medical diagnosis, EMGs, Spinal ultrasound, EEGs, NCVs and many more.
Now a new and more refined scam is back with the same concept but with more expensive tests.
All the tests are performed at the doctor’s office.
And, here’s a key, their 'staff handles insurance pre-authorization, billing/collections, transcription and treatment recommendations.'
All the doctor needs to do is to furnish the patient’s files, patient’s insurance and his office for the testing [Beware of HIPAA]. The doctor will get paid ‘rent’ for the use of his facilities.
This is patently illegal.
If you hear of similar solicitations contact the Board of Chiropractic Examiners or the Acupuncture Board.
