Health care attorney: ‘Running a business is similar to running a marathon’
Ayesha Mehdi, principal attorney at Frontier Health Law, works with health care providers, such as physicians, dentists, nurses and physician assistants, as well as health care delivery entrepreneurs (management services organizations, hospice care, pharmacies and home health). Since 2015, she has provided her clients with counsel pertaining to their business and corporate law matters, regulatory compliance and licensure issues.
What inspired you to become a lawyer, particularly in health care?
Great minds and leaders that were shaped by the legal profession inspired me. I am in awe of the logical thinking, reasoning and speaking abilities of game-changers such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela. As for choosing health care law, I believe there’s a need for more diversity specifically in health care law, which is a growing field. Southeast Asian law students tend to go into immigration or general corporate law. I deliberately chose health care law because our medical community is quite diverse, while there are not as many diverse attorneys to cater to their needs.
Do you need previous health care industry experience to become a health lawyer?
It’s not required but there is no substitute for experience. I was in health care management for a couple of years before I started practicing law. I also have a master’s in health services administration, and I used it to help establish and manage Hope Cancer Care of Nevada. My education and professional background have given me insight and empathy for everyone involved in delivering health care services, i.e., my clients.
How did you decide to base your practice in Nevada?
My personality epitomizes what Nevada stands for — it is a state that is battle born — the Wild, Wild West. And Las Vegas, in particular, is the perfect place for new beginnings, to launch and grow a new business and even raise a family.
How can Nevada bolster its health care laws to protect consumers and providers?
Health care costs, and employee benefits costs, have been increasing at an alarming rate for nearly a decade. There are various reasons, such as consolidation of managed care companies, government regulation, increased prescription costs, an aging population, the list goes on. Many employers are choosing to pass more costs to employees to handle such increases. Like other states, Nevada should continue to pass legislation aimed at reducing health care costs, which, in turn, would reduce the growth of the health insurance premiums paid by employers.
What’s the most complex case you’ve worked on?
Health care law is notorious for its broad scope and complexity. I have had the privilege to work on many cases that are quite stimulating in their own way. One involved fraud and abuse allegations of a local compound pharmacy, which is also a national issue. Compounding is the practice of combining, mixing or altering a drug’s ingredients to create a medication tailored to individual patients’ needs. This is done by a licensed pharmacist or physician, or, in an outsourcing facility, someone supervised by a licensed pharmacist.
The most challenging of these cases involve an alleged violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and Stark Law, and the anti-kickback statute, and getting retained after the fact.
The anti-kickback statute makes it illegal for providers (including physicians) to knowingly and willfully accept bribes or other remuneration in return for generating Medicare, Medicaid or other federal health care program business. The Stark Law applies to any physician who provides care to Medicare, Medicaid or other federal health program recipients, and says the physician cannot refer the patient for certain designated health services to any entity with which the physician has a financial interest. Both laws have exceptions, which is why it’s wise to consult with a health care attorney before participating in any such arrangement.
What is your philosophy when representing clients?
I view myself as an advocate, a counselor and a long-term friend. I believe in treating clients like family — with kindness, respect and integrity. I feel fulfilled knowing that my clients trust me. My philosophy may be summed up by Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote: “As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will be business enough. Never stir up litigation.”
What is your best business advice?
Running a business is similar to running a marathon — entrepreneurs need to be prepared to mitigate the incessant ups and downs by believing in themselves, keeping their energies focused, continuing to improve, listening to their instincts and reminding themselves why they started their businesses in the first place. For example, I started my own firm to have the independence of my time and to be able to make decisions that ultimately determine my practice’s success or failure.
Whom do you admire and why?
I admire many people, most of all my husband. He is the wind beneath my wings — an upright man who has his priorities straight. He is very focused, very positive and very intelligent. He gives me an entirely different perspective. I also admire my two children; they inspire me every day to be a better version of myself. I want to set an example for my children. I want them to be proud of their mom based on my joy of living and not just making money.
What is your dream job outside of your current field?
I often catch myself dreaming of becoming a painter. I’m a creative person, and it will bring me great joy to inspire and delight people through my work. For now, I’m happy collecting beautiful art from Pakistan, to bring a touch of my roots to my Henderson home.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
The lovely and historical city of Lahore, Pakistan, which touched the zenith of its glory during the Mughal rule. I was born and raised there; it’s home. However, the world is full of beautiful places and people. I find southern France to be a seductive blend of Old World sensibilities and modern living — a beautiful place to inspire any artist.
What advice do you have for aspiring health care lawyers?
I would suggest aspiring professionals in any field invest time and energy in building relationships with their mentors and peers. These relationships have proven invaluable for me. Aspiring health care lawyers should also strive to be actively involved with organizations such as the American Bar Association Health Law Section and the American Health Lawyers Association.