Podcast

Jun 19, 2025

Roetzel HealthLaw HotSpot: Patient Extortion: The Trend of Threatening Physicians for Personal Gain

In this new episode of the HealthLaw HotSpot podcast, host Ericka Adler is joined by Roetzel litigation shareholder Michael Scotti to explore a growing and deeply concerning issue in health care: 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. 

To listen, download the episode on Apple Podcasts or click here. To watch the episode on YouTube, click the link below: