Good Attorneys and Bad Attorneys

by 
August 28th, 2014

A “good” lawyer could be a “bad” lawyer when it come to your unique problem(s). Never ask or expect any professional person (doctor or lawyer) to perform beyond their scope of practice or ability. A college law degree and passing the state bar, is only a license which permits them to practice their craft. It does not automatically endow or qualify them as a subject matter expert with experience in all areas of the law.

Similarly, an MD, DO or DC degree does not make a person an expert in all specialties and diseases/disorders. For example, as a consultant I once listened to a distressed ophthalmologist who was required to “cover” for his hospital’s emergency department just because he was an MD; and he lamented, “I know nothing about most cases that come in. I am not a GP or an internist!”  

Likewise, a great personal injury attorney could be a lousy healthcare compliance attorney! Most ERISA attorneys specialize in ERISA “disability” matters, but they know absolutely nothing about ERISA “health benefit” payments or “appeals”  with payers.

Choose wisely by drilling-down. When legal counsel is needed, choose only within the sub-specialty the most experienced subject matter expert (SME) available. Your health insurance problems with audits, compliance and appeals deserve the very best assistance that is commensurate with your specific needs. Your success and survival demands the best!