About Joseph V. Willey

Tracking the multitude of laws that govern the health care field can overwhelm any hospital system or other provider. As a former attorney with the US Department of Health and Human Services, Joseph Willey helps health care providers identify issues of concern and find workable solutions. When problems arise, he's skilled at litigating a range of claims, including reimbursement disputes. In recent years, he has recouped more than $320 million in additional Medicare reimbursement for hospitals.

Protecting hospitals' life blood

Reimbursements are the life blood of most hospital systems and health care providers. Joe's thorough understanding of the intricacies of the Medicare and Medicaid systems allows him to take aggressive yet grounded positions in disputes. He has convinced courts to dismiss enormous government claims against his clients and has settled other matters for a small fraction of the amount the government sought. His clients rely on him for guidance related to fraud and abuse matters, saying, "Joseph Willey is commended for his 'truly encyclopedic knowledge of Medicaid and Medicare law'" (Chambers USA).

Joe's decades of experience allows him to provide clients with clear roadmaps through the complex regulatory landscape. He advises on federal anti-kickback and physician self-referral laws and represents providers in investigations and litigation under the False Claims Act. He also represents providers in federal and state government audits and before administrative tribunals, including the Provider Reimbursement Review Board.

Clients also turn to him to help devise business strategies for their health care operations.

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"Led by Joseph Willey, the team at Katten providing representation is deep. Their subject matter knowledge is unmatched and they are very efficient litigators."

U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2020 "Best Law Firms"
(Health Care Law) survey response

Practice Focus

  • Health care litigation
  • Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement claims
  • Government audits
  • Fraud and abuse laws
  • Managed care
  • Alternative reimbursement models and supplemental Medicaid payments (disproportionate share hospital and upper-payment-limit payments)
  • Business strategies for health organizations

Representative Experience

  • Successful representation in False Claims Act in which dismissal was earned on public disclosure grounds.
  • Negotiate favorable settlements of cases involving duplicate billing, billing for services determined to be medically unnecessary, laboratory unbundling, school-based health care services, personal care services and substance abuse services.  
  • Counsel to large health care system in establishing an Accountable Care Organization and applying for participation in Medicare Shared Savings Program.

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

  • False Claims Act: Strategies for Obtaining an Early Resolution
    Panelist
    May 30, 2019
  • New York State Bar Association
    Panelist | Health Care Fraud Enforcement and Compliance, Trends and Developments
    January 14–18, 2019
  • Greater New York Hospital Association
    Speaker | Webinar on Medicaid Program Integrity
    September 12, 2018
  • Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues
    Panelist | Hot Topics in Fraud and Abuse | American Health Lawyers Association
    April 13–15, 2016
  • Critical Success Factors for Clinically Integrated Networks
    Panelist
    December 4, 2013
  • American Health Lawyers Association
    Panelist | Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues
    March 21, 2013
Practices
Industries
Education
  • The University of Kansas School of Law, JD
  • The University of Kansas, BA
Bar Admissions
  • New York
Community Involvements
  • American Health Lawyers Association
  • New York State Bar Association
Recognitions
  • Best Lawyers in America
    Health Care Law, 2013–2021
  • Chambers USA
    Healthcare, 2011–2020
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2016–2020
  • Super Lawyers
    New York, 2008–2011, 2014–2019