The $230 billion health care industry is one of the largest growth areas in the U.S. economy, with expenditures climbing at a rate of 9 percent annually. In recent years the industry has experienced massive expansion fueled by deregulation, technological advancement, an aging population that is demanding research and development for new drugs and procedures, and a generally anti-litigious political environment. Today there are over three million retail prescription drugs available in the United States, and doctors perform some 1.2 million in-office surgeries annually.  These developments have translated into record revenues for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurance companies and hospitals and home care facilities.

However, while the current health care climate has afforded windfalls for some, achieving individual business goals remains a complex process for most companies.  Among the many issues health-related businesses must consider are legislative and federal appropriations process, compliance with mandates issued by a broad segment of federal and state regulators, coverage and reimbursement issues, nonprofit status and other tax considerations, employment matters, and—of course—the potential for litigation.

Patton Boggs advises companies of all size and scope, from health providers—including hospitals, physicians, and specialty facilities—to state and local governments and drug and device manufacturers.