Dr. Vergne-Marini currently serves as program director for transplantation and renal disease at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and as a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Prior to joining PCI, he was president and CEO of Dallas Nephrology Associates and chairman of the board of Renaissance Health Care.
Dr. Vergne-Marini earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and his medical degree from the University of Maryland Medical School. He completed his internship, residency and an NIH fellowship in cardiology at the University Hospital of the Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where he also served as chief resident. Dr. Vergne-Marini then completed an NIH nephrology fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.
In an interview with Becker’s ASC Review, he discussed the importance of forming a relationship with a healthcare attorney. Physicians must be aware of Stark Law and referral issues to avoid accidentally breaking the law, he said. They must also be aware of the potential for malpractice suits and be prepared for any action that could come their way. Dr. Vergne-Marini recommended selecting a competent “health lawyer” who can guide the ASC through any issues that might arise, including partnership contracts and regulation issues. “The physicians have to understand how the wording in a contract could increase their liability,” he said.
