Judge Pierre Bergeron served for six years on the Ohio Court of Appeals, following a distinguished career as a healthcare and appellate attorney. He represented a wide range of healthcare clients, including hospitals, payors, physicians, physician groups, and medical device companies. He has arbitrated numerous healthcare disputes to award and now serves as an arbitrator for the AAA, handling a variety of healthcare matters, including several payor-provider disputes.
With nearly two decades of healthcare litigation and appellate experience, combined with judicial service, we asked him how this unique background shapes his approach on the AAA Healthcare Panel.
Q: Tell us about your background in healthcare law or the healthcare industry.
Pierre: Nearly 20 years ago, I was introduced to healthcare litigation while representing a hospital seeking to separate from a five-hospital system. We won a five-week trial and helped the hospital recover over $500 million in assets. From there, my involvement in healthcare litigation grew rapidly—and hasn’t slowed down since.
Q: What types of healthcare disputes do you typically handle as an arbitrator or mediator?
Pierre: I’ve recently rejoined the AAA panel after six years on the bench. So far, I’ve been arbitrating payor-provider disputes, including matters involving the 340B program as well as alleged underpayments and payment denials.
Q: What drew you to ADR work in the healthcare space? What do you value most about serving as a neutral on the AAA’s Healthcare Panel?
Pierre: This was a natural progression in my career, following years as a healthcare litigator and then as a judge. I value the AAA’s strong support structure and its robust educational programming in the healthcare space.
Q: What advice do you have for parties preparing for arbitration or mediation in complex healthcare disputes?
Pierre: Whenever possible, parties should collaborate to submit joint proposals regarding the structure and timing of the arbitration. Doing so can significantly enhance efficiency. You know your case best, and your input on these procedural matters is invaluable.