What is Healthcare Fraud?
The government provides low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals with Medicare or Medicaid, depending on their status. This puts healthcare within reach of people who may not be able to pay for the services that they deserve. Thus, when someone cheats this system, they are cheating everyone who relies on these beneficial programs.
Healthcare fraud occurs when a healthcare provider defrauds a government healthcare program, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Sadly, though, the government cannot always keep track of all medical professionals that work with these programs. Thus, it relies on concerned citizens like you to report any incidences of fraud. If you are aware of healthcare fraud, you should fight back. Contact an experienced Qui Tam attorney from Tycko & Zavareei, LLP today at 202-973-0900.
Types of Healthcare Fraud
There are several different ways that people and organizations have taken advantage of the government’s healthcare programs. Some common types of healthcare fraud include:
- Falsifying cost reports
- Giving unlawful kickbacks
- Participating in illegal financial arrangements
- Charging for services or goods that were not actually provided
- “Upcoding” or charging more for a standardized procedure
- “Unbundling” or charging for multiple procedures rather than just one
- Failing to maintain records
When healthcare providers defraud the government, they are stealing your tax dollars away from beneficial programs in order to pad their own wallets. This selfishness should not go unpunished. If you know of any healthcare fraud against the government, you should talk to a lawyer immediately.
Contact Us
The government provides programs like Medicare and Medicaid to help you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to take healthcare fraud criminals to court. Under Qui Tam law, you can earn part of any damages awarded to the government should your case succeed. For more information, contact a qualified Qui Tam lawyer from Tycko & Zavareei, LLP at 202-973-0900 today.
