Fort Lauderdale Patient Service Coordinator Lawyers

Fighting for the Rights of Patient Service Coordinators Nationwide

Patient service coordinators are the backbone of physical therapy clinics. They help keep operations running smoothly, ensuring patients receive the care they need while managing essential administrative tasks. Despite their vital role, many patient service coordinators face unfair workplace practices, including unpaid overtime and misclassification as exempt employees or independent contractors.

At USA Employment Lawyers - Jordan Richards, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting the employment rights of patient service coordinators throughout Fort Lauderdale and across the country. Our mission is to hold employers accountable and ensure employees receive the pay and benefits they are legally entitled to.

Contact us today at (800) 483-0998 for a free consultation. Find out if you’re owed compensation and how we can fight for your rights.

Common Wage Violations for Patient Service Coordinators

Many patient service coordinators are subject to wage and labor violations, even if their employers are reputable physical therapy clinics. The three most common issues include unpaid overtime, misclassification as salaried employees, and misclassification as independent contractors.

Unpaid Overtime

Patient service coordinators often work well beyond their scheduled hours, managing patient appointments, verifying insurance, and ensuring clinic operations run seamlessly. However, some employers improperly classify these employees as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Under the FLSA, patient service coordinators who do not qualify as exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for all hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Overtime must be paid at 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly rate. If you’ve been asked to work after hours or during weekends without additional pay, you may have a claim for unpaid overtime wages.

If you’re required to arrive early to prepare files, respond to patient inquiries during lunch breaks, or complete tasks after your shift ends without additional pay, your employer may be violating wage and hour laws. Any work performed off-the-clock must be counted toward your total hours worked and may qualify for overtime compensation.

Misclassification as a Salaried Employee

Employers sometimes misclassify patient service coordinators as salaried, exempt employees to avoid paying overtime. While some roles in the healthcare industry may meet the exemption criteria under the FLSA, many patient service coordinators do not.

To qualify for exemption, your job duties must fall under specific categories, such as executive, administrative, or professional roles. Unless you make independent decisions regarding clinic operations or manage other employees as part of your job, it’s likely that you are non-exempt and entitled to overtime pay. Misclassification can result in significant lost wages over time.

Misclassification as an Independent Contractor

Some physical therapy clinics misclassify patient service coordinators as independent contractors instead of employees, typically to cut costs on benefits and payroll taxes. However, if your work is controlled by your employer—for example, if they determine your schedule, require you to follow clinic procedures, and monitor your performance closely—you are likely an employee under the law.

Independent contractors are not entitled to overtime pay, benefits, or other employee protections. If you believe you’ve been misclassified as a 1099 contractor when you should be a W-2 employee, our Fort Lauderdale misclassification attorneys for patient service coordinators can work to recover the compensation and benefits you deserve.

Industries Affected by Wage Violations

While wage violations are common in many industries, patient service coordinators in physical therapy clinics are particularly vulnerable. These clinics often rely on their coordinators to handle a large volume of responsibilities under tight schedules. Unfortunately, this pressure can lead to situations where patient service coordinators are asked to work off the clock or denied fair compensation for their work.

These violations also commonly occur in:

• Rehabilitation centers
• Chiropractic offices
• Outpatient clinics
• Private practices

Our experienced overtime lawyers are here to ensure your rights are protected, whether you work at an independent physical therapy practice or a large corporate clinic.

How USA Employment Lawyers Can Help

At USA Employment Lawyers, we make it our mission to stand up for employees in wage and hour disputes. We bring a wealth of experience and dedication to every case, offering patient service coordinators the legal support they need to seek justice.

When you choose us, we will:

• Evaluate Your Classification: We’ll carefully review your employment classification to determine whether you should be considered exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA.
• Investigate Wage Violations: Our team will analyze your work schedules, pay records, and duties to identify any instances of unpaid overtime, unpaid wages, or unlawful deductions.
• File Claims and Litigation: If your employer violated labor laws, we’ll pursue wage claims and, if necessary, take legal action to recover any unpaid compensation.
• Handle Employer Retaliation: If you face wrongful termination or retaliation for asserting your rights, our legal team is prepared to protect you.

With knowledge of both federal labor laws and Florida-specific labor regulations, we have the tools and expertise to advocate for your best interests.

Take the Next Step with USA Employment Lawyers

If you’re a patient service coordinator in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in the U.S. and believe you’ve been denied fair wages or misclassified by your employer, you don’t have to accept unfair treatment. At USA Employment Lawyers, we can help you understand your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight to recover the wages and benefits you’ve earned.

Contact our Fort Lauderdale patient service coordinator lawyers at (800) 483-0998 to schedule a free consultation. Your rights matter, and we’re here to ensure they’re protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I entitled to overtime pay as a patient service coordinator?

If you are classified as non-exempt under the FLSA, you are entitled to overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a week. Misclassified exempt employees may still qualify for overtime.

What should I do if I’m asked to work “off the clock”?

Document all additional hours worked, including start and end times. Keep copies of messages or directives from your employer and consult a qualified attorney immediately.

Can I file a claim if my employer requires me to be a 1099 contractor?

Yes, even if you signed an independent contractor agreement, courts will look at the nature of your work to determine if you are legally an employee.

How long do I have to file a wage claim?

The FLSA allows two years to file wage claims for non-willful violations or three years for willful violations. State laws may also apply. It’s best to consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Does filing a wage claim mean I’ll lose my job?

Employers are prohibited by law from retaliating against you for asserting your wage and hour rights. If you face retaliation, our firm can pursue legal action on your behalf.