Medicare Fraud Strike Force Combats Fraud in Orlando
It’s no secret that plenty of large companies across different industries engage in fraudulent acts that are illegal on both the federal and state level. Healthcare fraud is one of the costliest crimes for the government, so in the past few years, they have started to crack down on medical schemes.
In a country where healthcare resources are already expensive, fraud in this industry costs the taxpayer. Also, individuals or offices involved in these scams are often taking away valuable resources from those that need them most. States have created Medicare Fraud Strike Force Teams throughout the country to investigate these matters and hopefully put an end to this costly corruption.
Role of Medicare Fraud Strike Force Teams
The goal of Medicare Fraud Strike Force Teams is to locate healthcare fraud, abuse, and waste and prosecute perpetrators. They find doctors and other healthcare providers and institutions that employ illegitimate tactics to make money. Combining local law enforcement with state and federal resources, Strike Force teams use the top investigative tools and data analytics to target those committing fraud.
Suspected institutions can include:
- Ambulance companies
- Ambulatory surgical clinics
- Hospitals
- Hospice care providers
- Home health agencies
- Medical Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers
- Physical therapy practices
By shutting down shady medical business, the Strike Force helps local governments save their assets and distribute them to individuals who genuinely need help. Medicare Fraud Strike Force Teams combine the work of:
- The Department of Justice
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Office of the Inspector General
- Local offices
- State attorneys
As a result of the teams and agencies working together, you can report fraud allegations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS can, in turn, suspend payments to suspected fraudsters and bar them from taking part in federal health care programs.
Report Suspected Healthcare Fraud
Anyone who has information about a situation of healthcare fraud or even merely suspects it should immediately report it to an attorney so that an investigation can begin. In some cases, a person who works in the healthcare field may suspect someone or an entity of fraud while at work. There may be suspicious billing for services, prescription drugs or medical devices that don’t make sense. No matter the situation, individuals who suspect foul behavior have a responsibility to report it.
Get Help From an Experienced Attorney and Former Prosecutor
If you find yourself on the wrong end of a healthcare fraud case, get in contact with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer at The Umansky Law Firm. Our team of attorneys has experience as prosecutors on the state and local level and can use that key insight to the benefit of your case. Additionally, Attorney Brice Aikens is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer dedicated to representing those facing serious criminal charges. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your defense options.
