Diagnostic labs, like any business within the health care industry, are subject to federal regulations. A failure to abide by these rules can result in serious consequences, including steep financial penalties and, if the violation is severe, potential imprisonment. Because of the seriousness of these penalties, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of the applicable regulations. Some of the more well-known include:
As patient admissions grow, will medication errors also spike?
Pockets throughout the country are experiencing a jump in COVID-19 cases that require medical intervention. As a result, local facilities are finding themselves facing an onslaught of patients. This surge can lead to physically and mentally overwhelmed medical professionals working to provide quality care in a rushed and urgent environment -- not a combination that can prove successful over an extended period of time. As a result, it is not a surprise that medical leaders are voicing concerns about a potential for a spike in medication errors.
Novartis to pay millions to settle health care fraud claims
The government continues its crackdown on the use of bribes in the medical field. Although it is noble to better ensure physicians are motivated by patient need and not financial gain, the distinction between what is legal and what is not can be difficult to determine. A recent case provides an example of this distinction and the extreme penalties that can come with a violation.
Hospital system agrees to $16M settlement for decade old claim
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced a southern hospital system, Piedmont Healthcare, Inc., had agreed to pay $16 million to settle allegations of wrongdoing. Both parties intend the settlement to resolve two separate legal claims.
TX pharmacist faces decades imprisonment for health care fraud
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently accused a Texas pharmacist of partaking in a scheme to defraud the government. The agency claimed the medical professional and his wife billed the federal government for over $20 million for medically unnecessary topical medications. A third medical professional also faces allegations of criminal activity but is not in custody. The police are still attempting to locate this individual.
Health care fraud and prison time: Texas woman heads to jail
The government recently accused a Texas woman of partaking in a health care fraud scheme that took place in Arkansas. The woman allegedly used her role recruiting patients for a company that marketed prescription medications for a Mississippi pharmacy.
Physicians: Take note of these health care fraud trends
Health care fraud is a broad term used to encompass different allegations of criminal activity. The types of allegations the government commonly prosecutes for health care fraud can vary year to year.
Hastily written law may have unintended impact on labs
Lawmakers are taking action against the current opioid addiction crisis. One specific example involves the passage of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA). The law, discussed in detail in a previous post available here, is designed to help better ensure those who are treating patients battling opioid addiction focus on patient care as opposed to financial motivations.
TX uses new tool to charge doctors with health care fraud
The medical profession's first concern should be the welfare of the patient. Most physicians, nurses and other medical professionals go into this field because they share a similar belief. However, as is true in any profession, there are some who stray and find the lure of financial rewards too much to ignore.
What laws govern healthcare fraud and abuse?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take violations to healthcare laws very seriously. A conviction can come with hefty penalties that may include exclusion from federal healthcare programs, fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment.
