Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to help ensure the protection of patients’ medical records and personal health information. The rule sets boundaries on the use and release of medical records, established safeguards...
A data analytics firm has accused a healthcare provider of False Claims Act violations. The group states the provider illegally received payment for over $188 million in Medicare claims. If the suit is successful, the firm would receive a portion of the winnings. The...
The False Claims Act is a federal law that allows the government or private individuals to file a claim against those who allegedly make false claims for payment against the United States. It is common for an individual to file suit and the government to join in at a...
The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to crackdown on the illegal prescription of opioids. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made clear his focus on opioid-related health care fraud and the prosecution of healthcare professionals that allegedly contribute to the...
It is not uncommon for physicians to receive compensation from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. In many cases such compensation is legal. However, a misstep can lead to allegations of wrongdoing potentially including the illegal use of kickbacks to...
In some situations, physicians are allowed to offer the use of a chaperone for a patient during a physical exam. Generally, physicians will offer the use of these third parties in an effort to provide a patient with additional comfort. A patient may agree to a...
The Texas Medical Board (the Board) recently released a publication designed to offer guidance on required reporting obligations from hospital staff and other medical professionals. The piece specifically focused on required reporting efforts by individual physicians...
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced another regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force to join the current forces in 10 cities throughout the country. Strike Forces are currently present in Brooklyn, Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston, Baton Rouge,...
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York recently announced the sentencing of a physician convicted for healthcare fraud. The government sentenced the physician to 18 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release and the...
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has ramped up investigations of allegations of illegal medical kickbacks to physicians and health care businesses in the Dallas area. Since May, the agency has raided at least four separate, local health care...
