Steve Polyakov is a partner and Chair of the Firm’s Healthcare and Pharmacy Practice. With a depth of experience and an entrepreneurial focus, Steve advises health care, medical-based and pharmacy clients on their transactional, regulatory and litigation issues with a deep understanding of their overall growth strategy.

Steve understands health-based businesses’ unique challenges and regulatory requirements in their formation, organization and operations. Steve assists pharmacy owners and medical practices in starting operations and drafts healthcare business agreements. He strategizes with clients on merger and acquisition opportunities and counsels on the structure, purchase and sale of pharmacy and medical-related practices and businesses.

Steve focuses on complex health care matters, such as Medicare and Medicaid audits, managed care and third-party payor contracting, HIPAA compliance programs, employment contracts, medical contracts, overpayment appeals and challenging pharmacy benefit managers in audits and credentialing.

With a solid knowledge of regulatory requirements, Steve advises clients on the compliance steps required to properly minimize risk and maximize revenue. If a dispute arises, Steve is a skilled commercial litigator and regularly handles matters related to medical license defense, fraud investigations, STARK and anti-kickback laws, breach of contract, federal and state criminal investigations, civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), professional negligence, construction and commercial lease disputes and other complex commercial litigation matters.

Steve teaches health care law classes for hospital residents and fellows and has taught contract law courses at NYU. He has provided pro bono assistance to start-up companies through New York City’s Business Solutions Program.