John W. Leardi

Member of the Firm

John Leardi represents healthcare providers in both transactions and disputes. He is comfortable with advocating for his clients in either the courtroom or the boardroom.

John’s clients include physicians and physician groups, DME suppliers, clinical laboratories, independent pharmacies, outpatient surgical facilities, group purchasing organizations, health IT companies, management companies, and third-party billing services.

The principal focus of his healthcare dispute practice is provider reimbursement. For more than 17 years, John has defended healthcare providers in overpayment recovery disputes involving allegations of improper coding and claim submissions, kickbacks, self-referrals, improper practice structure, and medically unnecessary services.

John has developed a substantial practice in representing healthcare providers and their patients in pursuing claims for unpaid or underpaid benefits. He is particularly proficient in managing claims brought under ERISA, and serves as lead counsel in several class action lawsuits aimed at protecting patients from the financial abuses of some managed care companies.

Drawing on his experience as a multiple-exit entrepreneur, John also advises healthcare businesses of all shapes and sizes about corporate and transactional matters. These include corporate formation, restructuring, and dissolution; mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs; commercial contracts and leases; employer/employee relations; restrictive covenants; insurance coverage and reimbursement; business torts; administrative and regulatory compliance; information security; and protection of confidential and proprietary information.

A frequent lecturer about medical practice management to audiences of physicians, residents, and students, John is a Fellow of and regular contributor to the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM).

In his free time, John can be found at the beach, on the golf course, or on the sporting clay course. He is a self-proclaimed wine snob, and he knows his way around the kitchen. His love of the New York Giants is borderline fanatical.

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters

Included in New Jersey Super Lawyers, 2016–2023
Included in New Jersey Rising Stars, 2013–2015

Professional Memberships & Affilations

Member, New Jersey State Bar Association, including Health Law, Federal Practice and Procedure, and Solo and Small Firm sections

Member, New York State Bar Association, including Health Law, Commercial and Federal Litigation, and Dispute Resolution sections

Member, Michigan State Bar Association, including Health Care Law and Litigation sections

Member, American Health Lawyers Association, including Fraud & Abuse, Physician Organizations, and Health Information Technology practice groups

Member, American Bar Association, including Health Law, Litigation, Law Practice, and Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice divisions

Member, Federal Bar Association, New Jersey Chapter, including Health Law and Federal Litigation sections
Fellow, American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM)

Publications

“Physician Employment Agreements: How a Better Contracting Process Leads to Better Physician Employees,” Podiatry Management, April 2017

“Five Post-Payment Audit Fictions: Basic Knowledge You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Practice,” TRAKnet Today, March 2014

“Safety in Numbers: Examining the Rise of Podiatric Supergroups,” Podiatry Management, February 2013

“Five Post-Payment Audit Fictions: Basic Knowledge You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Practice,” Podiatry Management, January 2012

“Insuring Your Practice Through Compliance: Would You Survive a Post-Payment Audit?,” Podiatry Management, August 2011

“The Healthcare Reform Law’s Anti-Fraud Provisions: What New Jersey Chiropractors Need to Know,” New Jersey Chiropractor, August 2010

“Informed Consent: What New Jersey Law Requires,” New Jersey Chiropractor, May 2009

“Compliance is as Compliance Does,” New Jersey Chiropractor, October 2008

“Victory at Last: The New Jersey Supreme Court Reaffirms that Extraspinal Adjustments are Within the Scope of Chiropractic,” ANJC Membership Advisory, July 2008

“Five Post-Payment Audit Fictions: Basic Knowledge You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Practice,” New Jersey Chiropractor, June 2008

“Health Net v. Garcia: New Jersey Court Renders an Opinion That Immediately Impacts Chiropractic Physicians,” New Jersey Chiropractor, March 2008

“Clarifying a Post-Payment Audit Fiction: Why Inadequate Treatment Records are not a Per Se Violation of the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act,” 31 Seton Hall L. J. 287 (2007).

“New Jersey Supreme Court Grants Certification in Bedford v. Riello,” New Jersey Chiropractor (October 2007).

“Bedford v. Riello: What happened? What does it mean? What is the ANJC doing about it?,” New Jersey Chiropractor (June 2007).

“Capitalizing on the Calm Before the Storm: Successfully Defending a Post-Payment Audit Depends upon the First Steps Taken,” New Jersey Chiropractor (June 2006).

“Assessing the Health Claims Authorization, Processing and Payment Act: The NJ Legislature Finally Levels the Playing Field,” New Jersey Chiropractor (March 2006).

“Recent Developments in Products, General Liability, and Consumer Law,” ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal (Winter 2006).

“Expanded Liability Exposure for Drug and Medical Device Manufacturers: Uninjured Plaintiffs Seek Recovery for ‘Artificially Inflated Prices’ or Other Relief,” LJN Product Liability Law and Strategy (December 2005).

“Perez v. Wyeth and Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: The New Jersey Supreme Court Still Stands Alone,” LJN Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy (September/October 2005).

“Experiencing a Firm’s Practice and Culture Firsthand: Using a Summer Associate Program to Provide Candidates a Glimpse into the Realities of Firm Life,” New Jersey Law Journal, Summer Associate Supplement (Summer 2005).

“Reflections on United States v. Craft: Justifying a New Federal Common Law of Property?,” 34 Seton Hall L. Rev. 1353 (2004).

Speaking Engagements

“Preparing for an Exit (Now or Later): Associates, Buy-Ins, Partnerships, Acquisitions, and Divestments,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting (November 2022).

“The Anatomy of a Payer Audit: How and Why Payers Scrutinize Your Claim Submissions,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting, Billing & Coding Track (November 2022).

“Confronting Emerging Risks Head On: Proactively Addressing the Most Common Compliance Risks,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting, Billing & Coding Track (November 2022).

“Your First Lawsuit: What to Expect and How to Prevent It,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting, New Practitioner Track (November 2022).

“Protecting Your Doctors from a Lawsuit: What to Expect and How You Can Help to Prevent It,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting, Medical Assistant Track (November 2022).

“HIPAA Demystified: A Simple Explanation of the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Fall Meeting, Medical Assistant Track (November 2022).

“Regulatory Compliance for Age Management Practices: Risk Management if a Process not Just a Manual,” Age Management Medical Group, 33rd Clinical Applications for Age Management Medicine Conference (April 2022).

“COVID-19: PPP Loan Forgiveness and Repayment 101,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Virtual Meeting (May 2020).

“COVID-19: Lessons Learned and How to Be Ready for You Practice’s Next Crisis,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Virtual Meeting (May 2020).

“Bad Boys, Bad Boys, What You Gonna Do When They Come For You?,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Spring Meeting (May 2019).

“Compliance Update 2018: Where Current Enforcement Efforts are Focused and What Physician Practices Can Do to Avoid Scrutiny,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Summer Meeting (June 2018).

“Refining Your Revenue Cycle Management Process: Successful Collections and Consistent Cashflow Require a Process-Based Approach,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (March 2018).

“The Anatomy of a Payer Audit” Understanding How and Why Payers Scrutinize Your Claims Submissions,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (March 2018).

“Federal Update 2018: An Educated Guess on Legislative, Regulatory, and Marketing Changes,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (March 2018).

“Healthcare in Trump’s America,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Midwinter Management Workshop (February 2017).

“Stark Reality: Understanding the Laws Prohibiting Self-Referrals, Kickback, and Inducements,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Management Workshop (February 2017).

“Medicare Appeals 101: Using Federal Law to Succeed in Appealing Reimbursement Denials,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (April 2016).

“ERISA Appeals 101: Using Federal Law to Succeed in Appealing Reimbursement Denials,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (April 2016).

“Enforcement Update 2016: Medicare Reporting and Returning of Self-Identified Overpayments,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (April 2016).

“Avoiding the Pro Bono Podiatry Practice: Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association, Coding and Financial Institute (April 2016).

“Department of Labor Overtime Rule: Compliance Deadline 12/1/2016,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Management Workshop (November 2016).

“Compliance Update 2016: Medicare Reporting and Returning of Self-Identified Overpayments,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2016).

“Prepare to Be Audited: Proactive Strategies for the Most Common Compliance Risks Facing Podiatry Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2016).

“Emerging Risks: Proactive Strategies for the Most Common Compliance Risks Facing Podiatry Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2015).

“ERISA Appeals 101: Using Federal Law to Succeed in Appealing Reimbursement Denials,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2015).

“Enforcement Update 2015: Managing Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2015).

“Healthcare Reform Update 2015: Important Milestones for ACA Implementation in 2015,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2015).

“Healthcare Reform Update 2014: Important Milestones for ACA Implementation in 2014,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2014).

“Monitoring Your ‘Profile’: Managing Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2014).

“Stark Realities: Understanding the Laws Prohibiting Self-Referrals, Kickback, and Inducements,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (February 2014).

“Avoiding the Pro Bono Podiatry Practice: Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Science & Management Symposium (January 2014).

“Healthcare Reform Update 2014: Important Milestones for ACA Implementation in 2014,” Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Science & Management Symposium (January 2014).

“Billing & Coding Compliance 101: Understanding Why Proper Billing/Coding Matters and How to Avoid Payer Audits,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2013).

“The Anatomy of an Effective Compliance Program: Viewing Fraud and Abuse Risk Management as a Process not just a Manual,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2013).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2013).

“How Safe is Your Office? The Impact of OSHA Guidelines on Private Podiatric Offices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2013).

“Charting the Future: Healthcare Reform, ACOs, Clinical Integration, and the Future of Healthcare Delivery,” Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, Senior Practice Management Symposium (April 2013).

“Legal Issues Associated with DPM/PT Integration,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2013).

“The Anatomy of an Effective Compliance Program: Viewing Fraud and Abuse Risk Management as a Process not just a Manual,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2013).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2013).

“How Safe is Your Office? The Impact of OSHA Guidelines on Private Podiatric Offices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2013).

“What Now: Healthcare Reform, ACO’s, Clinical Integration, and the Future of Healthcare Delivery,” Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Science & Management Symposium (January 2013).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Science & Management Symposium (January 2013).

“Billing & Reimbursement Issues for the Podiatry Office: Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” Florida Podiatric Medical Association, Science & Management Symposium (January 2013).

“Associate Employment 101: Assessing Associate Positions, Employment Agreements, and Buy-Ins,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Residents Practice Management Seminar (December 2012).

“Monitoring Your ‘Profile’: Managing Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Western U.S. Billing & Coding Seminar (December 2012).

“RAC Audits 101: CMS’s Recovery Audit Contractors are Coming: Is Your Practice Ready,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Western U.S. Billing & Coding Seminar (December 2012).

“Billing & Reimbursement Issues for the Podiatry Office: Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” NEOAPM Fall Classic – Super Saver Conference (October 2012).

“RAC Audits 101: CMS’s Recovery Audit Contractors are Coming: Is Your Practice Ready,” NEOAPM Fall Classic – Super Saver Conference (October 2012).

“What Now: Healthcare Reform, ACO’s, Clinical Integration, and the Future of Healthcare Delivery,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Summer Practice Management Boot Camp (July 2012).

“Billing & Reimbursement Issues for the Podiatry Office: Common Billing Errors and Audit-Related Risks,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Summer Practice Management Boot Camp (July 2012).

“The Anatomy of an Effective Compliance PROGRAM: Viewing Fraud and Abuse Risk Management as a Process,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Summer Practice Management Boot Camp (July 2012).

“Introduction to Healthcare Compliance: Identifying How the Law Impacts the Practice of Podiatry and Understanding the Importance of Effective Risk Management,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, New Practitioner Workshop (July 2012).

“Billing & Coding Compliance 101: Understanding Why Proper Billing/Coding Matters and How to Avoid Payer Audits,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Comprehensive Billing & Coding Workshop (June 2012).

“Legal Issues Associated with DPM/PT Integration,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Spring Practice Management Conference (May 2012).

“RAC Audits 101: CMS’s Recovery Audit Contractors are Coming: Is Your Practice Ready,” Medical Practice Management Association of New Jersey, Annual Meeting (May 2012).

“10 Ways to “Attack” Your Next Payer Audit: Stop Being Defensive, Go on the Offensive!,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2012).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2012).

“How Safe is Your Office? The Impact of OSHA Guidelines on Private Podiatric Offices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2012).

“RAC Audits 101: CMS’s Recovery Audit Contractors are Coming: Is Your Practice Ready,” Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, Great Lakes Conference (March 2012).

“Introduction to Managed Care: Understanding Third-Party Reimbursement and the Business of Controlling Healthcare Costs,” Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Practice Management Survey (February 2012).

“Podiatric ‘Super-Groups’: Legal Issues Associated with Establishing a Multi-Site Podiatric Group Practice,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Million Dollar Practice Summit (January 2012)

“Introduction to Healthcare Compliance: Identifying How the Law Impacts the Practice of Podiatry and Understanding the Importance of Effective Risk Management,” Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Practice Management Survey (December 2011).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2012).

“How Safe is Your Office? The Impact of OSHA Guidelines on Private Podiatric Offices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (November 2012).

“The Dark Side of Reform: Understanding the Broad Scope of the Healthcare Reform Law’s Numerous Anti-Fraud Provisions,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Spring Practice Management Workshop (May 2011).

“The Anatomy of an Effective Compliance Program: Viewing Fraud and Abuse Risk Management as a Process not just a Manual,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Spring Practice Management Workshop (May 2011).

“Starting Your Practice Off on the Right Foot: The Importance of Risk Management from Day One,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, New Practitioner Practice Management Workshop (August 2010).

“Patient Collections 101: Understanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Summer Boot Camp (August 2010).

“ERISA Appeals 101: Using Federal Law to Succeed in Appealing Reimbursement Denials,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Summer Boot Camp (August 2010).

“HBCBS Par Providers: Highlights of Recent Amendments to the HBCBS Specialty Provider Agreement” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Northeast Regional Meeting (June 2010).

“Stark Realities: Understanding the Laws Prohibiting Self-Referrals, Kickback, and Inducements,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Spring Practice Management Workshop (May 2010).

“Compliance 101: Protecting Your Practice from Heightened Payer Scrutiny,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Spring Practice Management Workshop (May 2010).

“Compliance 101: Protecting Your Practice from Heightened Payer Scrutiny,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Workshop (March 2010).

“ERISA Appeals 101: Using Federal Law to Succeed in Appealing Reimbursement Denials,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Horizon Reimbursement Seminars (January 2010).

“Employment Law 101: A Primer on Workplace Laws for Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Workshop (October 2009).

“Chiropractic Advertising in New Jersey: The 10 Commandments,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Non-Member Seminar (June 2009).

“Post-Payment Audits: Just the Facts,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Great Lakes Practice Management Track (April 2009).

“Red Flags Compliance for Podiatrists,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Great Lakes Practice Management Track (April 2009).

“Legal Issues Associated with DPM/PT Integration,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Conference (March 2009).

“Insuring Your Practice through Compliance: A Practical Response to Heightened Payer Scrutiny of Podiatric Practices,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Mid-Winter Practice Management Conference (March 2009).

“Understanding Post-Payment Audits,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Conference (November 2008).

“Legal Issues Associated with DPM/PT Integration,” American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Fall Practice Management Conference (November 2008).

“Expert Testimony in New Jersey Courts,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, Personal Injury Litigation Seminar (June 2008).

“Polk Analysis: Prior Injury Exacerbations,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, Personal Injury Litigation Seminar (June 2008).

“Litigation Discovery in New Jersey,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, Personal Injury Litigation Seminar (June 2008).

“Podiatric Physicians and H&Ps: Now What? The Practical Effect of Recent Amendments to Medicare Participation Requirements,” American Association of Hospital and Healthcare Podiatrists, Histories and Physicals Seminar (January 2008).

“Insuring Your Practice through Compliance: A Practical Response to Heightened Carrier Scrutiny of Chiropractic Practices,” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Post-Payment Audit Seminars (May 2006).