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    Stark Law

    Federal law restricting physician self-referral for designated health services.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026

    Definition

    The physician self-referral law (commonly Stark) prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to entities with which they (or immediate family) have a financial relationship for designated health services, unless an exception applies.

    What this means in practice

    Particularly relevant to physician-owned ASCs, distributorships (PODs in spine), and equipment leasing arrangements.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 2 verified 1 needs review· last checked 2026-05-09
    CMS·1MedTech Europe·1AHRMM·1
    1. 1
      CMS Stark
      Verified
      CMScms.gov
    2. 2
      MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice
      Needs review
      MedTech Europemedtecheurope.org
    3. 3
      AHRMM - Healthcare Supply Chain
      Verified
      AHRMMahrmm.org

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