It is not uncommon for patients to look for referrals when they need care from a doctor. Though referring patients to other doctors is not illegal, accepting a fee for doing so may violate the law. This is patient brokering, a type of healthcare fraud that could end...
What are the most common types of Medicare fraud?
If you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, medical goods provider or other health care provider serving Medicare patients, you need to keep exceptionally accurate and detailed records. Failure to do so could lead to the government filing Medicare fraud charges against...
Reviewing Stark Law exceptions
Healthcare practitioners in Florida have a singular goal of securing the best possible outcomes for their patients. Oftentimes that requires collaborating with other clinicians who specialize in practice areas outside of their own. However, many often look at...
What happens when someone is under investigation for Medicare fraud
Medicare exists so American citizens 65 and older do not have to live without healthcare. Younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease are also eligible. The government takes the distribution of these funds seriously. Representatives move...
Committing Medicare fraud or abuse has serious consequences
If you are a physician who accepts Medicare patients, there are various standards you need to follow. Medicare fraud and abuse is common, and there are steep penalties if you face conviction. There are differences between fraud and abuse, but both are serious...
Three federal laws that govern Medicare fraud investigation
Medicare fraud can occur in small practices, large medical offices, hospitals, pharmacies and a variety of other healthcare-related companies and facilities. This type of fraud costs the U.S. government billions of dollars each year. Here are three federal laws that...
Infusion therapy and criminal charges for Medicare fraud
Medicare fraud costs the U.S. government $65 billion each year and fraudsters use a number of ways to commit this kind of crime. One source of Medicare fraud is infusion therapy as evidenced by an Orlando, FL, physician and an infusion clinic owner. About infusion...
What is the difference between Medicare fraud and abuse?
Health care providers must take certain steps to ensure Medicare claims are legitimate. Failure to do so leads to lost funds, which affects patients as well as hospitals, clinics, and other health care centers. You should also have a good understanding of the...
How much Medicare fraud occurs in Florida?
According to a press release issued by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida on Sept. 17, 2021, South Florida is “ground zero” for health care fraud. During one 6-week enforcement period earlier this year, the government brought charges against...
Medicare fraud: Types of improper payments
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those over the age of 65 and for those who have certain disabilities. This program funds millions in healthcare services every year, and some allegedly try to defraud the system for personal gain. One type of...
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