Legal Assistance For Clinical Diagnostic And Reference Labs
Texas diagnostic testing and reference labs are under increased scrutiny as the federal government and commercial carriers crack down on health care fraud and abuse. Lab owners in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and the rest of the state are routinely being investigated and sometimes criminally charged for alleged fraud, abuse and other violations.
At Rivas Goldstein, LLP, we help owners of independent clinical laboratories and physician-owned laboratories (POLs) to:
- Avoid investigations and charges by making sure the business operations are compliant with federal and state regulations
- Protect the rights of clinical lab owners during audits by the FBI, state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, Zone Program Integrity Contractors and Commercial Carriers
- Move forward in a positive direction after facing health care fraud and abuse charges
As soon as you have reason to believe that your lab is facing an audit from the government agency, contact Rivas Goldstein, LLP, by calling 800-761-5190. To best protect your rights, it is vital that we get involved as soon as possible.
Avoiding Audits And Charges With Proactive Advice
It is possible that your clinical lab is violating the law without your knowledge. For example, did you know that exclusive business relationships between a laboratory and a physician practice may violate the Anti-Kickback Statute? Did you know that paying marketers a percentage or commission for production could also be a violation of the state and federal Anti-Kickback Statute? Unfortunately, not being aware that your business practices violate the law is not an adequate defense. The only way to protect yourself and your business is taking proactive steps by working with a health care attorney who is well-versed in the compliance issues affecting clinical laboratories.
A 2015 advisory opinion by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (OIG) required labs to adhere to stricter regulations. Make sure your business is prepared.
Making Sure Your Rights Are Protected During An Audit
Being audited by a federal government agency, such as the FBI or the OIG, or an insurance company like Cigna or Horizon, is one of the most stressful things the owner of a clinical diagnostic lab can go through. If you are being investigated for Medicare fraud or abuse, you need an attorney who understands the laws and can put your best defense forward.
Our firm represents lab owners who are being investigated for alleged:
- Routine waiver of copayments and deductibles
- Billing and coding issues
- Self-referral
- Anti-kickback rule violations
- Fee-splitting
- Sham leases with physicians
- EKRA violations
If you or your lab is being audited by the FBI, a state Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Medicaid’s Zone Program Integrity Contractors or a commercial carrier’s special investigative unit (SIU), we are here to help. We provide effective clinical laboratory compliance defense to businesses of all sizes and industry specialties.
Getting Back On The Right Track With Compliance Counseling
The laws regulating Texas diagnostic and reference labs are robust and ever-changing. It is no wonder that lab owners don’t always understand what is expected of them and end up in trouble with the federal government. The good news is that with effective compliance counseling, clinical labs and their owners can get back on the right track after being audited.
We have the experience and legal knowledge needed to assess your business’ risks, create an effective plan to mitigate those risks and educate all involved parties along the way so that no problems are going forward. You can take control of the situation with the right advice and guidance.
Rivas Goldstein, LLP: On Your Side, Protecting Your Future
Our experienced Texas-based health care lawyers are here to help you and your business succeed. Please call 800-761-5190 or contact our law firm online.