A Florida-based dermatology practice has filed a lawsuit alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract against a healthcare management group and its CEO. The complaint, filed by Robin Shecter, D.O., LLC d/b/a Dermatology Center of the Palm Beaches on June 10, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, names The Derm Group, LLP (TDG), Think Big Health Care Solutions, LLC (TBHCS), and Cheryl Anders as defendants.
The lawsuit details a series of alleged deceptive practices that began in mid-2021 when Dr. Robin Shecter was exploring options to open her own medical practice. According to the complaint, Cheryl Anders, CEO of TDG and owner/manager of TBHCS, convinced Shecter to join TDG instead of forming her own practice. Anders allegedly presented misleading information through a PowerPoint presentation that promised significant financial benefits without the stress of running an independent practice. Shecter claims she was persuaded by promises that joining TDG would decrease overhead costs and improve cash flow due to TDG's laboratory services.
The plaintiff asserts that she was required to make a $25,000 capital contribution to join TDG under the belief it would be refundable upon resignation. However, after giving notice of termination on January 11, 2024, Shecter alleges that TDG failed to refund this amount and denied her access to critical financial data and patient records managed through Modernizing Medicine's software system (ModMed). The complaint also accuses TDG and TBHCS of tampering with patient records and financial data post-resignation.
Shecter's legal team argues that these actions constitute breach of contract as well as fraudulent misrepresentation. Specifically, they claim Anders made false statements about the profitability and operational benefits of joining TDG. The lawsuit states: "Anders represented to Shecter that having her entity as a partner in TDG would provide passive income from laboratory profits," which turned out to be untrue.
Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that despite assurances from Anders about regular visits and transparent financial reporting, these commitments were not honored. Instead, Shecter contends she only received one or two visits over their two-year relationship and faced significant issues with lab backlogs and opaque financial reports.
The complaint seeks various forms of relief including damages exceeding $50,000 for lost profits and attorney’s fees. It also demands severance compensation for six months post-termination as stipulated in their agreement but allegedly unpaid by TDG. Furthermore, Shecter requests compensatory damages for past and future income losses due to what she describes as intentional interference with her business operations by altering patient schedules and erasing financial data.
Representing Robin Shecter is Kelsey K. Black from Black Law P.A., and the case ID is: 502024CA005412XXXAMB Div: AF.