With all of the healthcare debate swirling around the country, most people don't realize that healthcare fraud is a serious federal crime. If you've been accused of healthcare fraud, you should seek counsel from a criminal lawyer as soon as possible even if you are totally innocent of the charges being brought against you. If convicted of healthcare fraud, you will face possible imprisonment and a substantial amount in fines. Healthcare-related charges are often brought against healthcare providers such as doctors or therapists, employer groups or members of a health insurance plan. No matter which end of the spectrum you are on, a criminal lawyer can offer sound advice and potentially minimize sentencing results if you are found guilty of any charges.
Healthcare Fraud Explained
Healthcare fraud occurs when someone misrepresents or uses deception to give or obtain medical care, prescription medicines or moneys related to medical care. This type of fraud is often pinpointed as upcoding, unnecessary diagnostics service, false insurance claims, pharmacy fraud, medical identity theft, accepting kickbacks from patient referrals, and many other forms of deceit.
Studies show that up to $500,000 is lost to healthcare fraud every single minute! This averages to about 3 to 10 percent of all spending on healthcare in the U.S. per year. Fraud is somewhat different than healthcare abuse, in that fraud is deliberately committed for personal gain. Healthcare abuse is similar, but no intent or deception can be proven. Healthcare fraud affects everyone (both young and old) in that it results in increased healthcare costs, taxes and medical insurance premiums.
The False Claims Act (FCA) covers civil healthcare fraud cases brought on by the federal government that involve fraudulent bill submission to Medicaid, Medicare or other programs funded by the federal government. Most civil fraud matters relating to healthcare falls under the FCA. Under this act, the federal government can seek damages and penalties against any provider that is privy to fraudulent Medicaid or Medicare claims.
A Criminal Lawyer can Help
Having a criminal attorney on your side during a healthcare fraud trial can make a difference in your outcome. If you are innocent of the accusation, a criminal attorney can help you investigate to determine if there was a billing error, false statement made against you by a patient or any piece of evidence that can clear your name. Your criminal lawyer can also advise you what to do and which financial records and/or medical records will be needed during the trial.
Look for a criminal lawyer that is qualified and experienced to defend you in a healthcare fraud case. An experienced attorney understands the laws related to the healthcare industry and how they pertain to your particular case. Your attorney should be willing and able to help you minimize fines and/or jail time if you are found guilty as well as help you gather evidence to prove your innocence if that be the case.
When seeking a criminal attorney, it is advised to meet with several and ask plenty of questions about their courtroom experience, hourly attorney fees, trial success rate, etc. Search online to find an attorney in your local area and to view attorney websites for more information. For example, if you live in the Miami area of Florida, you might use key searches such as "Miami criminal attorney," "Miami criminal lawyer," "criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale," or other similar searches.
Be sure to choose the legal defense that will work for you - not against you. Healthcare fraud is too serious to waste time and energy with an inexperienced attorney. Start your search for a reliable criminal lawyer today!
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About the Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 (Sat Mar 13 2010) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com
