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Turn to Lowther Walker, LLC for experienced health care fraud attorneys and a knowledgeable criminal defense team to handle the complexity of your health care fraud case.
Health care fraud is committed when a provider or patient intentionally submits, or causes someone else to submit, misleading or falsified information that results in an improper amount of payable health care benefits. Health care fraud is a serious crime and can be committed by both medical providers and their consumers or patients. A health care fraud investigation can get complicated very quickly. Should you find yourself involved in a health care fraud investigation, you will not want to have to navigate the legal aspects on your own. A health care fraud attorney with a reputation for success will help you walk through the entire legal process to work toward a positive outcome. A health care fraud attorney knows the legal process backward and forward, and their insight into how the government investigates and prosecutes will be used to your advantage.
Health care fraud can involve the improper handling of claims that are billed by the medical provider or filed by the consumer. Dishonest submission of these claims can lead to health care fraud. Health care fraud investigations usually involve allegations of defrauding private insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, or Tricare. These cases often involve multiple parties such as executives, hospital workers, marketers, medical professionals, labs, rehabilitation or nursing facilities, drug stores, testing services, surgical centers, or pharmaceutical companies. Every year, billions of dollars are lost in health care fraud. If you are indicted or convicted of such crimes, you can face harsh sentences that will affect your life forever.
Health care fraud convictions can bring about substantial penalties, such as a lengthy prison sentence. False statements on a Medicaid or Medicare claim can result in up to a 5-year prison sentence per offense. Federal health care fraud can result in a 10-year sentence per offense. If the fraud leads to bodily harm, it could potentially mean up to a 20-year sentence in prison. In addition, you could also face a fine of anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000 depending upon the claim. Organizations could face millions or even billions of dollars in fines. A judge may also order that defendants must pay restitution, meaning the defendant must pay back a set amount of money that was lost as a result of health care fraud. For instance, a doctor who improperly billed an insurance company for tests that weren’t performed may be ordered to pay back this money to the insurance company. Restitution is in addition to any fines issued. A defendant convicted of health care fraud can also face probation, which limits the freedoms a person has in lieu of jail time. This could last from 12 months to three years.
Health care fraud can be very broad, but a number of different things can fall under the umbrella of health care fraud misconduct, such as the following:
If you have been accused of one or more of these misconducts, you could be facing serious consequences. You don’t have to face it alone. Our team knows what to do in every circumstance and will walk with you throughout the entire legal process, from investigations to trial.
Health care fraud investigations or criminal cases do not tend to move quickly or end in a short time. They are intricate, well-researched investigations that are led by intelligent, knowledgeable prosecutors aiming to convict, meaning they can take time. Most of these investigations are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s office and a health care fraud coordinator who is in charge of handling criminal or civil cases. In addition, Washington D.C. is the headquarters for the Health Care Fraud Strike Force whose job is to determine the cities with the highest health care fraud in order to further investigate health care within those cities.
It’s clear that on a local and national level, health care fraud is being taken very seriously. Because these are teams of specialized prosecutors, they can be a formidable opponent. Top-level government agencies can get involved, such as the FBI, MFCU (Medicaid Fraud Control Unit), US DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), or US Department of Health and Human Services. They have countless resources available and can effectively build a strong case. Being accused of health care fraud means that you need someone on your side. It requires the services of a highly capable, professional, and skilled health care fraud attorney to protect you and your assets. Thankfully, our team at Lowther Walker, LLC is here for you, and we have the in-depth knowledge of how the prosecution operates to effectively assist you in your defense.
Our health care fraud attorneys will begin our own investigation into your case by examining data, speaking to any witnesses, and seeking the advice of experts to give testimony on your behalf. We will also work hard to cast doubt on your intention to participate in a crime or reduce company exposure during this investigation. Rest assured, our team of health care fraud lawyers are well prepared to defend against what may be coming your way, such as audits, investigations, inquiries from MFCU teams, grand jury proceedings, Controlled Substances Act diversion investigations, FCA investigations, or any other fraud charge or kickback charge that has been brought forward. You don’t have to face the overwhelming process alone. With our legal experience, we can and will work hard to bring about a positive outcome for you
There is no health care fraud investigation too big or too small for our team of experienced lawyers. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your assets, your reputation, and your overall freedom. Contact our skilled health care fraud attorneys today for help. We are dedicated to achieving the very best outcomes for any circumstance and in any case. There’s no one better to have on your side than an attorney that has successfully fought for others and will do the same for you. We are happy to answer any questions you have or offer our services if you or someone you love is facing health care fraud charges. Give us a call today at Lowther Walker, LLC.