The health care market is evolving. Physicians are becoming more specialized and patients are more likely to see many different providers. A single patient may have one doctor to manage diabetes, another to manage heart issues and still a third for problems with their joints. Technological advances have also worked to help better ensure physicians are aware of other treatments a patient may receive. In some cases, the government has even become involved.
Causes of unintentional health care fraud
When it comes to health care fraud, ignorance of the law will not save you. You may think you are safe because you are an honest professional with a qualified billing department. However, errors can lead to investigations, and even if nothing turns up, it can hurt your practice's reputation and finances.
Being naive is no defense to Medicare fraud
Another doctor has been convicted for playing a part in a multi-million-dollar Medicare fraud scheme. The guilty verdict shows that even being "extremely naïve" is not a valid defense to Medicaid fraud charges.
Physician coding and billing compliance more important than ever
Coding and billing fraud are once again major targets for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Justice.
