Healthcare fraud happens across the United States at a rate of billions of dollars per year. Did you know that healthcare fraud, especially Medicare fraud, is a serious problem in Miami, FL? Miami healthcare fraud lawyers work tirelessly every day alongside the public to discover and stop people from taking advantage of the healthcare system that is designed to help seniors get the care they need. Our attorneys are well-equipped to help you blow the whistle on healthcare fraud taking place in Miami.
What is Healthcare Fraud?
Healthcare fraud is an unfortunately common type of fraud in Miami where a healthcare provider or practice is dishonest in some way in order to increase the amount of money they receive from government healthcare programs. Millions of Americans are under either Medicare, Medicaid, or state health insurance programs, giving fraudulent practices ample opportunity to take advantage of the system.
Healthcare fraud happens in a multitude of ways. A practice may alternate between methods to keep the fraud concealed. Billing inconsistencies, such as billing twice for the same service, billing for services not performed, or deliberately entering the wrong code in order to bill for a more expensive service are some of the most popular ways to commit healthcare fraud.
Why Does Healthcare Fraud Happen in Miami?
Miami healthcare fraud attorneys are kept busy due to the high rate of Medicare fraud that happens in the Sunshine State. Why is Miami such a hotspot for healthcare fraud, and how can it be stopped? Tycko & Zavareei LLP can help whistleblowers through the process of reporting healthcare fraud and bringing it to an end.
Miami’s warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture draw retirees here to enjoy their golden years. Some move permanently, while others stay for the winter or for several months out of the year. Many of these retirees are on Medicare, which gives fraudulent healthcare practices a variety of opportunities to take advantage of patients and the government. Miami is also a wealthy area, meaning these practices may be able to make more of a profit through dishonest means.
The Federal False Claims Act
Healthcare fraud claims at the federal level are typically filed under the federal False Claims Act, which has been in place since the Civil War. During this period of history, the government was experiencing a high rate of fraud, mostly by defense contractors taking advantage of a chaotic time for the country. The False Claims Act was enacted to make it expressly illegal to defraud the government, as well as establish protections and rewards for whistleblowers.
Whistleblowers continue to make it possible to pursue fraud cases with the help of Miami healthcare fraud lawyers. A whistleblower is someone who witnesses fraud and reports it to the proper authorities. They are usually everyday employees who see things that the government cannot catch, simply because they are closer to the fraud as it happens, while the government is further removed. Tycko & Zavareei LLP has worked with countless whistleblowers across the US to expose healthcare fraud.
Florida False Claims Act
Following the enactment of the federal False Claims Act, the states began to follow suit and create False Claims Acts at the state level. Florida is no exception. The Florida False Claims Act prohibits people from committing fraud against the Florida state government and allows the state government to pursue treble damages in fraud settlements. “Treble damages” means that should the government win a qui tam lawsuit against someone who has committed fraud, that person may be ordered to pay back up to three times the damages incurred.
Healthcare Fraud Cases in Florida
As previously mentioned, healthcare fraud is unfortunately common in Miami, Fl. In 2017, a senior executive for a healthcare corporation in Southern Florida was charged with healthcare fraud and fraud against the US government, along with other charges in different states. The scheme involved accepting illegal kickbacks and falsifying records, and it cost the government over $400 million.
In a separate incident in 2015, a Florida healthcare system was accused of fraud that directly impacted patient care – specifically, Medicare patients and those under TRICARE, which is the healthcare program offered by the Department of Defense. The patients were put through radiation without the supervision of a qualified professional and billed as though said professional had been there, while the practice pocketed the profits.
Get in Touch with a Miami Healthcare Fraud Attorney
Whistleblowers are some of the most vital contributors to the government’s efforts to stop fraud. Someone who witnesses fraudulent billing, bribes or kickbacks, or corners with patient care may become suspicious that their workplace is participating in healthcare fraud. It can be scary to consider going to the authorities with your suspicions. That being said, you have the opportunity to help not only the government, but also everyday citizens whose tax dollars are being used fraudulently.
The first thing you should do if you suspect medical fraud is to speak with a Miami healthcare fraud lawyer. Choosing the right lawyer is key to a successful qui tam case, so you should rely on a law firm with a proven track record, like Tycko & Zavareei LLP. Our experienced healthcare fraud attorneys know the ins and outs of False Claims Act cases, including how to protect your privacy and fight for the maximum whistleblower reward. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
