The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas recently announced charges against two local physicians who allegedly provided unnecessary pain medications to patients. If the officials can provide evidence to support the allegations, the accused face more than a decade imprisonment.
These types of allegations are not uncommon. Healthcare fraud is a significant concern that can undermine the integrity of healthcare systems, deplete resources, and compromise patient care. Common examples can include healthcare facilities that bill for services not rendered, up code services, perform unnecessary procedures, and partake in kickback schemes. Local and federal officials are cracking down on allegations of healthcare fraud to retain the integrity of the system and recoup lost funds fraudulently taken by bad actors. As a result, medical professionals are wise to take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of allegations of wrongdoing, like those discussed in the case noted above.
How can physicians avoid allegations of healthcare fraud?
Staying informed about the legal definitions and examples of fraud is the first step in prevention. Other important steps include:
- Noticing red flags: Healthcare providers must be vigilant for signs of fraud within their operations. Red flags may include inconsistencies in billing records, patient complaints about charges for services they did not receive, or unusual patterns in referrals. Education and training programs for staff can help in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
- Implement compliance programs: Healthcare providers can also avoid allegations of healthcare fraud by developing a comprehensive compliance program tailored to the practice’s size and complexity. This should often include clear policies and procedures, regular training, and a designated compliance officer.
- Regular auditing and monitoring: It is also important to conduct periodic internal audits to ensure adherence to billing and documentation standards. Monitoring should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
It is also helpful to create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential fraud without fear of retaliation. One way to help achieve this goal is to establish clear channels for reporting and ensure confidentiality.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.