Medicare and Medicaid fraud accusations re Florida psychiatrist

On Behalf of | Jan 13, 2016 | Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida reported the recent indictment of four people, including a Florida psychiatrist. Each is accused of taking part in a scheme that included Medicare and Medicaid fraud, as well as Social Security and wire fraud. In addition to the Miami psychiatrist, three others, all between the ages of 45 and 57, were charged with 21 counts of fraud.

The alleged conspiracy supposedly involved attempts to defraud the federal government by making false statements to the Social Security Administration. The fraud scheme is said to have taken place in the psychiatrist’s medical office. Prosecutors claim that the group made false statements about medical treatment of various patients and the conditions of patients who were eligible to receive both immigration and Social Security disability benefits.

Reportedly, those accused offered patients assistance in filing for benefits and received payment for that assistance. The psychiatrist allegedly would then provide false diagnoses in order for the patients to submit their benefits claims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that the doctor diagnosed some of the applicants with psychiatric conditions that are known to be debilitating. The four persons thought be involved were arrested on a recent Friday.

In all such cases of suspected Medicare and Medicaid fraud in Florida, no conviction is possible unless a person’s guilt is proved beyond a reasonable doubt in court. A criminal defense attorney can offer guidance to help simplify the complicated and intimidating legal process. Experienced representation can often help obtain positive results in court. 

Source: bizjournals.com, “4 Miami-Dade residents indicted for alleged health care, Social Security and immigration fraud“, Jan. 11, 2016

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