Medical professionals often rely on payments from Medicare for services provided to patients. The United States Department of Health and Human Service’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administers this program and requires medical professionals meet certain...
Year: 2018
TX doctor’s wife arrested for knowledge of fraud scheme
The United States government recently accused a wife of criminal activity based on her husband’s alleged crimes. The government states the woman had knowledge of and knowingly participated in his alleged crimes. If convicted, she could face hefty fines and up to...
DOJ accuses provider of failure to comply with investigation
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has petitioned the court to force provision of oral testimony deemed "relevant to a false claims law investigation." The government has accused a group that sponsors Medicare Part C insurance plans of "knowingly disregarding its duty to...
Does HIPAA really protect patients’ privacy?
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...
Healthcare provider accused of upcoding
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...
Patient sues for Anti-Kickback Statute violation
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...
Effort to combat opioid abuse: Johns Hopkins provides guidance
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...
Study questions physicians’ ability to report conflict of interest
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...
Physicians, when does your patient need a chaperone?
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...
TX Medical Board clarifies mandatory reporting requirements
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...

