If you or someone you love is being investigated for healthcare fraud or has already been charged, you need a lawyer who understands the industry protocols, statutes and complex nuances of Medicare and Medicaid regulations, and can successfully prepare a defense strategy.
Because healthcare fraud and abuse costs U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars each year, the government allocates enormous resources to prosecute those who violate state and federal laws. Unlike many white-collar crimes, healthcare fraud offenses frequently involve statutes specific to the Medicaid and Medicare system.
Criminal defense lawyer Jeffery King represents healthcare providers and organizations that are facing charges of Medicaid fraud and abuse, including:
Physicians/surgeons
Dentists
Therapists
Nurses
Hospitals
Equipment providers
Assisted Living Care Facilities
Laboratories
Rehab facilities
In-home health care providers
Clinics
Healthcare marketing companies
Pharmacies
Medical billings claims companies
Private practice owners
The term “healthcare fraud” encompasses many different crimes pertaining to the submission of false claims for reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance companies. Medical providers or organizations that bill for services that were not rendered, accept kickbacks to solicit business, or bill for incorrect services or procedures that were not medically necessary may be prosecuted for Medicare fraud.
If found guilty of healthcare fraud, sanctions may include:
Charges of Medicare/Medicaid fraud often involve allegations of prescribing or performing services that are not medically necessary or submitting false claims for patients who do not exist.
Other common allegations of healthcare fraud include:
Fraud, waste and abuse pose massive liabilities for federal health care programs. As such, there are federal and state statutes designed to deter and punish healthcare professionals who attempt to exploit the Medicare and Medicaid system.
Federal laws aimed at identifying and prosecuting healthcare fraud include:
The Health Care Fraud Statute – makes it a criminal offense to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program.
The Anti-Kickback Statute – part of the Social Security Act, this statute prohibits the knowing and willful payment, solicitation, or receipt of any remuneration – in cash or gifts – to induce or “in return for referring an individual for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of any item or service for which payment may be made under a Federal health care program”
The Stark Law – prohibits healthcare providers from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients for specific health services to entities with which they have a financial relationship.
The False Claims Act – establishes civil liability for knowingly presenting a fraudulent claim to the government for payment, and making false statements relevant to the fraudulent claim.
The Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act – imposes criminal penalties – up to 10 years in jail and monetary fines – for illegally purchasing or distributing Medicaid, Medicare or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiary identification or billing privileges.
The Civil Monetary Penalties Law – imposes civil penalties on providers who submit false claims, provide false or misleading information in regard to patient discharge, violate Medicare assignment provisions, or fail to provide proper medical screening tests in emergency conditions.
Texas is one of several states with aggressive Medicare fraud, waste and abuse laws and anti-kickback statutes, including the Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act passed in 1995. Physicians, therapists, testing laboratories and other medical providers that are accused of healthcare fraud may be held liable for civil and criminal penalties under state and federal statutes.
The Department of Justice has two Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams in Texas, which are equipped to bring prosecutions against suspected perpetrators. A Medicaid fraud investigation, even when wholly unfounded, can tarnish the reputation and future growth of private practices and healthcare organizations.
I found Jeff to be a competent and compassionate advocate. As a client, he was the “voice” that I needed him to be to achieve a good result. He allowed me to communicate my needs to him and then diligently went to work to attain them. I would recommend him without hesitation.
With the type circumstance I had, it was not a hard case nor one that required a court visit or in front of a Judge but it did take some research and many hours of information gathering. I was given to the point, fair and accurate information by Jeffery King and he stuck with me through the whole ordeal. This was not only vital but very personable and I appreciated that to the fullest. I felt comfortable and positive through the entire situation and was given a fair and positive outcome. I thank Jeff King and his other staff that were involved for all they did.
As the father of a recent active duty Air Force client of Mr. King’s, and being intimately involved day to day with the case, I can say without hesitation nor mental reservation, Jeff King is a consummate professional. Jeff was not only prepared, aggressive, and passionate about the defense, he also made the time to explain in detail every facet of the trial as it progressed. Having an attorney of Jeff’s caliber in our corner bestowed a feeling of confidence to our family, which was a critical factor in our ability to manage the stressfulness inherent to such serious allegations. Jeff prepared the entire family for every scenario, good and bad, and for that we are forever grateful. Upon receipt of the not guilty verdict and celebrating the obvious joy we felt that this “created adventure” had now come to an end, also came the realization that not only had he won this case, and with it our son’s continued freedom and innocence, but we had made a friend of the highest regard. Our family cannot thank Mr. King enough for his excellent representation on behalf of our son, but also for the lofty amount of integrity and humility demonstrated during the most trying time of our lives. Much respect and Semper Fi.
I thought my life was over when I was accused of a horrible crime at a general court-martial. From the moment I met Jeff, he instilled confidence in my case and showed a real enthusiasm for what he does. Be warned: Jeff will put you to work! He prepares for battle and expects you to contribute. He is confident in court and I enjoyed watching the jury respond to him. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY to all charges! I am so grateful that I hired Jeff to defend me.
Jeff was amazing! He handled my case through the end of the Article 32 hearing, and set the basis for my acquittal. If it had been any other IO than the one it was, I am certain it would have been dismissed right then, as all the objections he made in the Article 32 were later upheld by the Military Judge, and they been upheld at the Article 32 hearing, it would have been dismissed on the spot. His knowledge, and preparation made all the difference in my case, and his relentless pursuit of the truth showed through. He will always be my first recommendation to anyone who needs legal help.
Dallas criminal defense attorney Jeffery King advocates for clients facing state or federal charges of healthcare abuse throughout the state of Texas, and has the expertise to determine the right defense. For a confidential, no-charge consultation, we invite you to call today.
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