Florida Medicare Fraud Attorney
Medicare fraud is a serious criminal offense which is often perpetrated by medical professionals who intentionally provide false information in billing the government for their services. However, the Department of Health and Human Services faces enormous challenges in detecting and investigating fraudulent schemes. To address various forms of fraud against the government, lawmakers have enacted statutes that reward private citizens for uncovering such misconduct and bringing it to the attention of officials. These so-called “whistleblower” laws apply to many different financial schemes, including Medicare fraud.
At Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A., our lawyers have extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the relevant legal concepts, so we are prepared to assist you in blowing the whistle on Medicare fraud. Please contact our firm to set up a no-cost case assessment with a Florida Medicare fraud attorney right away. A summary of the basics may also be helpful.
Your Role in Fighting Fraud Against the Government
The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) is a statute that makes it unlawful to use materially false statements to receive funds from the government, including payments made to medical providers through Medicare. Common schemes include:
- Submitting duplicate bills for the same treatment;
- Billing for services or procedures that were not performed;
- Overcharging; and,
- Billing for non-existent patients.
The federal government, through the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), is empowered to investigate and enforce the FCA. However, the FCA also motivates private citizens to do their part to counteract fraud by offering a financial award. Through a whistleblower claim, sometimes referred to as a “qui tam” action, you can play a key role and earn a reward for doing so.
Take Action Regarding Medicare Fraud
Blowing the whistle on medical billing misconduct starts by filing a complaint with the OIG as a “relator.” Our attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. will assist with the process and documentation. From there, the OIG and other relevant agencies will investigate your allegations and supporting paperwork. The case under seal during this time, and you are sworn to secrecy regarding all details. Based upon what the probe turns up, there are two potential results:
- The government may decide to pursue the case against the Medicare fraudster, in which case you may receive up to 25 percent of what the OIG recovers; OR,
- The OIG may decline to go forward, though you can still pursue the claim. If successful, you may obtain up to 30 percent of what you recover on the government’s behalf.
Trust a Florida Medicare Fraud Lawyer to Protect Your Interests
If you are ready to bring misconduct to the attention of government officials through a whistleblower claim, you will need attorneys with meticulous knowledge of the laws and high level skills in investigating Medicare fraud. For more information on how we can help with your role as a relator, please contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. You can schedule a free consultation at our Coral Gables, FL offices by calling 305-445-1111 or filling out our online form.
