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Patient Extortion: The Trend of Threatening Physicians for Personal Gain
06/19/2025
Patient Extortion: The Trend of Threatening Physicians for Personal Gain
In this new episode of the #HealthLawHotSpot, host Ericka Adler is joined by Roetzel litigation shareholder Michael Scotti to explore a growing and deeply concerning issue in healthcare: patients using threats, such as negative online reviews, malpractice claims, or regulatory complaints, as leverage to demand refunds or free services. Together, they unpack the legal and ethical complexities of responding to extortion attempts involving online platforms like Google and Facebook, understanding the difference between defamation and disparagement and how to respond to both. They also discuss navigating HIPAA restrictions when addressing public criticism, knowing when to involve your malpractice carrier or legal counsel, structuring settlements with non-disparagement clauses and patient termination protocols, and handling threats of complaints to state licensing boards. Whether you're a physician, dentist, or healthcare administrator, this episode offers practical legal strategies to protect your reputation, your license, and your peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. Don’t miss this essential conversation on managing risk, protecting your practice, and navigating the legal complexities of patient-provider disputes.
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