U.S. DEA Doctor Investigation Attorney

Lawyers for DEA Inspections and Audits of Physicians and Specialists Throughout the United States

For doctors and medical offices, few things can seem more worrisome than a visit from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Even if the DEA states that they are conducting a routine audit, agents could potentially uncover information that leads them to believe that a doctor has violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This could result in the suspension or revocation of a DEA registration, the loss of a medical license, or even criminal prosecution. Before speaking to DEA agents or participating in an investigation, doctors should consult with a lawyer who has experience representing clients in matters involving the DEA.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we have worked with many different types of medical providers to help them protect their rights during DEA investigations and avoid consequences such as the loss of DEA registration, medical license suspension or revocation, loss of hospital privileges, loss of provider status with Medicare or Medicaid, and loss of board certification. With our knowledge of the laws surrounding prescriptions for controlled substances, we can make sure you meet the requirements that will allow you to continue practicing medicine.

Issues Addressed in a DEA Physician Investigation

While the DEA conducts regular audits of medical providers who have a controlled substance registration, it may also perform investigations based on tips from patients or other members of the community or because of unusual patterns of activity that may indicate that a doctor's office is a "pill mill" that issues medically unnecessary prescriptions for controlled substances. DEA agents will be looking to uncover evidence of unlawful prescribing of controlled substances, conspiracy to possess, dispense, or distribute a controlled substance or other forms of drug diversion and trafficking.

A DEA inspection or investigation may review a doctor's certificate of DEA registration, prescription logs, the inventory of controlled substances kept on hand (including samples), and lists of patients who have been prescribed controlled substances. Some issues that may indicate that a doctor has issued controlled substances for reasons other than legitimate medical purposes include:

• The practice regularly accepts cash payment from patients rather than billing them through medical insurance.
• A doctor sees a large number of patients from out of state or who have traveled a significant distance.
• The practice is open during unusual hours, does not have the normal number of nurses or other support staff, or lacks standard medical equipment such as examination tables or blood pressure monitors.

Even though there may be legitimate explanations for these issues, they will likely be viewed with suspicion by investigators. The DEA may also believe that a doctor is writing medically unnecessary prescriptions if a practice has not kept the proper records of patients and prescriptions, if a doctor issues a large proportion of prescriptions for controlled substances compared to other types of drugs, or if a practice does not use or enforce pain management contracts with patients when prescribing opioids. Doctors may also be held responsible for drug diversion that occurs because of stolen prescription pads or fraudulent prescriptions issued by members of an office's staff.

Contact Our National DEA Registration Defense Attorneys

If you are a doctor who is under investigation by the DEA, you should speak to The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. before consenting to an inspection, turning over any records or other information, or surrendering your DEA registration. We can advise you of your rights and provide you with legal representation, ensuring you do not inadvertently make any statements or provide any information that could negatively affect your case. We can also help you defend against DEA enforcement actions, and we will fight to ensure that you can continue treating patients and writing prescriptions. Contact us and arrange a complimentary consultation by calling 630-310-1267.