Skip to Content
713-783-3110
Hendershot Cowart P.C. Hendershot Cowart P.C.
Top

FAQ

  • Healthcare Law Hub

    • What can a healthcare attorney review or negotiate for my practice?

      The healthcare attorneys at [Sub:BusinessName} review, draft, and negotiate physician employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions, medical director agreements, space and equipment leases, billing and management services agreements, and compensation structures – before you're bound by terms that could limit your options later.

    • What should I consider before starting or restructuring a healthcare practice in Texas?

      Texas law restricts who can own and operate a medical practice under the corporate practice of medicine doctrine. Before starting or restructuring a practice, providers should address entity selection, ownership structure, Management Services Organization (MSO) or Dental Services Organization (DSO) arrangements, and compliance with the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Texas’s prohibition against the corporate practice of medicine, and other state and federal fraud and abuse laws.

    • What should I do if my practice receives a request for medical records, Medicare audit notice, or OIG subpoena?

      Contact a healthcare attorney before submitting any information, even if you're told you're not the target of an investigation. What you submit first, and how quickly you respond, plays a major role in how an audit or investigation unfolds – including RAC, UPIC, and Texas HHSC audits and medical review requests, OIG subpoenas, and Civil Investigative Demands. Failing to respond to medical document requests by the deadline (usually 30 days) can lead to overpayment determinations, Medicare payment suspensions, revocation of billing privileges, and potential False Claims Act liability. Getting a healthcare attorney involved early often determines whether a matter stays civil and administrative or escalates toward criminal referral.

    • What happens if I receive a complaint from the Texas Medical Board or another licensing board?
      A single complaint can trigger a months-long investigation. Providers facing a Texas Medical Board, Texas Board of Nursing, or other licensing board matter should have an attorney review and help draft any response, since what's submitted early in the process is a critical part of the defense.
    • What types of healthcare business disputes does Hendershot Cowart P.C. handle?

      The firm represents healthcare providers and businesses in physician employment disputes, medical practice splits and partner disputes, MSO and DSO disputes, breach of contract claims, and enforcement actions under the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act against third-party payors.

    • Does Texas regulate telemedicine and telehealth practices?

      Yes. Texas law imposes specific requirements on telemedicine and telehealth practices, including corporate practice of medicine restrictions, prescribing limitations, and informed consent requirements. Healthcare attorneys can help structure a compliant telemedicine practice and defend against telemedicine fraud investigations.

  • General FAQs

    • What Types of Cases Does Your Firm Handle?

      Our attorneys can handle a wide variety of complex cases, including business law, healthcare law, and even will contests and probate litigation. We also work on OSHA defense cases for business entities who have been cited by OSHA or that may be facing litigation over an accident at the workplace.

      If you have a high-stakes, civil or commercial legal matter on your hands, chances are we can help you resolve it. Visit Our Services page to explore our many practice areas.

      We do not handle family law, criminal law, or the patient side of healthcare.

    • How Long Has Your Firm Been in Practice?

      Our firm has been serving clients since 1987. During this time, we've built our practice on the foundation of providing personalized legal counsel and developing lasting relationships with our clients.

      Many of our new clients come to us through referrals from past clients and other attorneys, which speaks to the quality of our work and our commitment to client service.

    • Do You Handle Cases Throughout Texas?

      Yes, we work with clients in Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Midland-Odessa, El Paso, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and everywhere in between.

    • Do You Work with Clients in Other States?

      Yes, we work with clients throughout the United States and internationally. If your business law matter is governed by Texas or federal law or regulations, we can probably help.

    • Where Are You Located?

      Our main office is in Houston at 1800 Bering Drive, Suite 600, in the Galleria area. We also have by-appointment-only offices in League City, San Antonio, Austin, and Steamboat Springs, CO.

    • When Is Your Law Office Open?

      Our main office in Houston is usually open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekends, federal holidays, or after-hours, you can call (713) 783-3110 and use our call-answering service or contact us online 24/7.

    • Does Your Law Office Accept Walk-in Appointments?

      When our attorneys are not working directly with a client, they are often in court, negotiating, or taking depositions. We are usually not available in our office to accept walk-in appointments.

    • How Do I Schedule a Consultation?

      Please call (713) 783-3110 or contact us online to schedule a consultation or contract review, where you will get the undivided attention of an attorney with experience in your specific legal matter.

    • Do You Charge for Initial Consultations?

      Yes, we charge for initial consultations because we provide genuine legal counsel, not just a case evaluation. When you meet with one of our attorneys, you receive personalized legal advice from an experienced professional who specializes in your type of legal matter.

      While some firms offer "free consultations," these sessions typically focus on evaluating your case’s financial potential and your ability to pay, rather than providing substantive legal guidance. We believe our clients deserve more than a sales pitch – they deserve actual legal counsel from the very first meeting.

    • What Should I Expect from the Initial Consultation?

      To maximize the value of your consultation, we request relevant documents – such as contracts, legal petitions, or correspondence – in advance. This allows your attorney to review your materials beforehand and come prepared to discuss the specifics of your situation.

      During the meeting, we'll gather your side of the story, explore your goals, explain your legal options, and outline concrete next steps.

    • Do You Schedule Appointments Outside of Regular Business Hours?

      We do offer weekend or after-hour appointments in some situations. We try to schedule most appointments during the work week, but weekend consultations are an option. Call our office at (713) 783-3110 to inquire about availability.

    • Will My Appointment Last Long?

      Most consultations or contract reviews last up to 60 minutes.

    • Do You Offer Over-the-Phone Consultations?

      Yes. We offer both phone and videoconference consultations.

    • Am I Obligated to Retain Your Services After an Initial Consultation?

      No, there is absolutely no obligation to retain our services after your initial consultation. You are free to make the decision that's right for you.

      If you choose to move forward with our firm, we would be honored to discuss representation and work together on your legal matter. If you prefer to explore other options, we completely understand and respect that decision. Your case is ultimately your choice, and we want you to feel confident in whatever path you decide to take.

    • How Do I Retain Your Law Firm for My Matter?

      The retention process is straightforward and typically begins during your initial consultation. Near the end of most consultations, your attorney will explain how to move forward with representation, including a clear breakdown of upfront costs, our hourly rates and the billing process, and what to expect next.

      If you're ready to proceed, you can let your attorney know during the consultation, and we'll handle the necessary paperwork to get started. If you need time to consider your options, there's no pressure – simply call us at (713) 783-3110 when you're ready to discuss next steps.

      Once you decide to retain our services, we'll provide you with a detailed engagement agreement that outlines the scope of our representation, hourly rates, and your rights as our client. This ensures everyone is on the same page before we begin working on your matter.

    • Can You Provide an Estimate of Total Costs for My Case?

      While we wish we could provide a precise total cost upfront, every legal matter is unique and involves variables that can significantly impact the final expense. Factors such as the complexity of your case, the other party's level of cooperation, discovery requirements, and whether your matter settles or proceeds to trial all influence the total cost.

      During your initial consultation, we'll discuss the specifics of your situation and provide you with a realistic range of what similar cases have cost, along with factors that could increase or decrease those expenses. We'll also explain our retainer-based fee structure and quote an initial retainer amount based on the anticipated work for the early stages of your case.

      As your case progresses, we'll keep you informed about costs and discuss any significant developments that might impact your budget. Our goal is to ensure you can make informed decisions about how to proceed at each stage of your legal matter.

    • What Expenses Am I Responsible for Beyond Attorney Fees?

      In addition to attorney fees, you may be responsible for various case-related expenses, which we call "costs." These expenses are separate from our legal fees and are typically billed at cost with no markup.

      Common expenses include court filing fees, process server fees for document delivery, copying and document production costs, postage, and travel expenses for depositions or court appearances. Depending on your case, you may also incur costs for expert witnesses, court reporters for depositions, medical record retrieval, or specialized research.

      We'll discuss potential expenses as they arise. Significant expenses, such as expert witness fees, will always be discussed and approved by you in advance. We provide detailed monthly billing that separates attorney fees from case expenses, so you can see exactly how your money is being spent on your legal matter.

    • How Do You Manage Bills and Fees?

      We handle most matters on a retainer-based fee structure. During your initial consultation, we'll provide a detailed explanation of how our billing works and quote a retainer amount based on the complexity of your specific matter.

      Learn more about How We Charge.

    • What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

      We accept cash, personal checks, wire transfers, and major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

Back to Top