Medicare Fraud
Medicare Fraud Lawyer South Florida
Defense for Medicare Fraud in South Florida
Medicare fraud is a type of white-collar crime. And since Medicare is a Federal health insurance program, it may also be charged as a Federal felony. That means conviction can have serious, life-changing consequences—huge fines, jail time, loss of constitutional rights, and more.
No matter what the allegations are, it’s very important that you work with a knowledgeable and experienced Medicare fraud lawyer in South Florida. This is particularly true if you’ve been placed under arrest. Don’t wait to retain the services of Frank Schwartz, P.A. We will fight tooth and nail to defend you!
Contact a Medicare fraud attorney in South Florida to get your free consultation. El abogado habla español.
What Is Medicare Fraud?
Types of Medicare Provider Fraud
Phantom Billing
One of the most common types of Medicare fraud is phantom billing. This is when a provider attempts to steal money from the Federal government by billing a patient for medical procedures and services they never provided.
In the same vein, some health care providers commit fraud by performing and then billing Medicare patients for medically unnecessary treatment.
This type of fraud is especially common when providers get financial kickbacks for surgeries.
Upcoding
Upcoding is when a health care provider charges a patient for more expensive medical services than what was provided.
Upcoding may be committed in any health care setting, such as by primary care physicians (PCPs) or specialists. Medical oncologists, orthopedists, ophthalmologists, and psychiatrists are just a few examples.
Unbundling
Unbundling is another type of improper coding.
Medicare provides certain related medical procedures and services to patients at discounted rates through bundling. Unbundling (or “fragmentation”) is when a health care provider disregards the discounted/bundled rate by charging each service individually.
Other Types of Medicare Fraud by Providers
A few other examples include:
- Self-referrals for services
- Billing unordered supplies
- Overuse of medical services
- Overuse of medical equipment
- Certifying medically unnecessary services, supplies, or equipment
- Waiving insurance copays
- Employing unlicensed staff
- Illegal or improper use of equipment
Medicare Patient Fraud and Abuse Charges
At Frank Schwartz, P.A., we defend both providers and patients charged with fraud.
Here are a few of the most common Medicare fraud charges we defend patients against:
If you are under investigation or have already been accused, it’s important that you contact our South Florida Medicare fraud attorney immediately. We stand ready to fight for your rights.
Penalties for Medicare Fraud
How Is Medicare Fraud Prosecuted?
Working together with Federal, state, and law enforcement agencies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) investigates and prosecutes Medicare fraud. With so many different agencies involved, every Medicare fraud investigation will take a different amount of time.
The courts take health insurance fraud very seriously, especially since a conviction could end your career. Sadly, the prosecution often pursues harsher penalties than called for. That means your rights, your freedom, and your future could be on the line.
We are committed to reducing the impact of your criminal case, such as by getting charges dropped or penalties lowered. We’ll work to protect you and your future!
Helping Clients Win Medicare Fraud Cases in Florida
Medicare fraud investigations can be highly intrusive and leave you encountering high fines. Our legal team at Frank Schwartz, P.A. will stand with you to ensure the highest level of protection of your rights, as well as defend your freedom. We do not shy away from trial courts, but we also work to settle cases out of court when possible.
With your case in our hands, you can feel confident knowing a skilled criminal defense team is working in your best interest. While no firm can guarantee victory, we will work to put the odds in your favor. We will use all our resources, explore every avenue, and do everything we can to protect your rights!
Call (786) 648-7983 to speak to a South Florida Medicare fraud lawyer in a free consultation.
Related Medicare Fraud Law Violations
Defenses for Medicare Fraud Allegations
There are many defenses that can be used in health care fraud cases. Lack of evidence and lack of criminal intent are two of the most common.
At Frank Schwartz, P.A., we will work one-on-one with you to build a strong, personalized Medicare fraud defense strategy.
