Overview
Steven J. Schnelle is a trusted advisor to investors, executives, general counsel, and business operators in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, delivering actionable strategies to help them achieve market leadership, drive transformative growth, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With a national reputation for his transactional acumen and regulatory insights, Steven brings clarity and alignment to multifaceted arrangements, empowering organizations to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Steven is a recognized authority in national reimbursement strategy, enabling clients to maximize the value of healthcare services and products. His counsel is particularly sought after by executive leadership teams and general counsel in hospital systems, as well as by professional groups; pharmacy service providers; clinical laboratories; and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and durable medical equipment. He has extensive experience in advising on cutting-edge regulatory developments and innovative business models, ensuring his clients remain competitive and compliant.
Core Areas of Experience:
- Healthcare Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). Guiding transactions involving changes of ownership and control with a focus on seamless regulatory coordination
- Federal Healthcare Oversight. Managing audits, investigations, and compliance with federal programs
- Third-Party Payer and Reimbursement. Addressing challenges and opportunities in payer participation and payment structures
- Medicare Administrative Appeals. Driving favorable outcomes in high-stakes appeals
- Sector-Specific Regulations. Navigating the nuanced regulatory requirements of health facilities, corporate practice, pharmacy, clinical laboratories, hospice care, and pharmaceutical/device manufacturing
- Pharmacy Matters. Counseling pharmacies on state and federal regulatory frameworks, Medicare enrollment disputes, and revocations
Steven has also cultivated a niche practice in navigating the complexities of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, providing tailored guidance on program development, audit response, manufacturer repayments, and litigation. His ability to resolve intricate issues relating to duplicate discounts and alleged diversion has earned him accolades from healthcare providers and pharmacy services providers alike.
Thought Leadership
Steven’s thought leadership has been widely recognized, with accolades from Chambers USA and other prestigious legal directories. He is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, addressing topics ranging from healthcare M&A trends to reimbursement innovation. His insights have also been featured in leading publications, and he frequently mentors the next generation of legal talent in the healthcare sector.
Results
- Represented Northwell Health, the largest health system in New York, in its acquisition of Nuvance Health, a seven-hospital diversified health system in New York and Connecticut
- Represented Maimonides Medical Center, an academic medical center in Brooklyn, New York, in its acquisition of New York Community Hospital
- Represented a national physician group platform in its appeal of an extrapolated Medicare overpayment related to diagnostic testing, ultimately overturning 100% of the adverse audit findings at a hearing before an administrative law judge
- Represented a nationally recognized specialty physician group in its appeal of Medicare reimbursement rates resulting in underpayments exceeding $10 million over multiple years
- Represented multiple national pharmacy chains in their successful appeal of Medicare revocations following site visits identifying noncompliance with Medicare conditions of participation
- Advised multiple diversified health systems on the implementation and growth of pharmacy service lines and 340B contract pharmacy opportunities and access
- Represented several 340B covered entities in structuring 340B Drug Pricing Programs and appealing adverse Health Resources and Services Administration audit findings
Recognitions
- Chambers USA, Healthcare, 2024
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Healthcare Law, 2021-2025
Credentials
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, JD, 2014
New York University, BA, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with high honors, 2008
Admissions
New York
