Kickbacks are a normal part of many industries. In healthcare, however, kickbacks are unethical, illegal and potentially a threat to patient care. The Anti-Kickback Statute addresses the problem of kickbacks in healthcare, while the safe harbor regulations provide...
Medicare & Medicaid
Dallas-area doctor convicted in $54 million Medicare fraud scheme
The U.S. government annually loses billions of dollars to Medicare fraud. It is the type of crime committed by people you know, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical staff who provide services and medications that patients do not need and then pocket the...
What are the red flags for healthcare transactions?
Healthcare is an extremely regulated industry. Programs like Medicaid and Medicare face tough scrutiny from regulators intent on stopping abuse and fraud. Organizations found guilty of fraudulent activity face harsh penalties, even though the regulations and laws in...
3 FAQs for providers facing Medicare prepayment audits
Over the past two decades, the U.S. has tried to curb fraudulent health care provider Medicare claims through greater oversight. Prepayment audits are one method that the government has begun using to prevent reimbursement for faulty claims. Unfortunately, if...
How to appeal a Medicare contract revocation
Revocation of Medicare and Medicaid contracts can significantly damage your practice and affect your ability to operate in your field. It is crucial to understand your appeal rights to avoid the potential issues that can result from revocation. The initial steps of a...
Information you need to know to avoid Medicaid fraud
As a health care provider accepting Medicaid, there are times you may have received an overpayment. It is a common issue that you can remedy with a refund. However, missing an overpayment and not correcting the mistake may lead to the government subjecting you to a...
Convicted Texas physician seeks earlier sentencing date
Attorneys for a Texas physician convicted in January in a $325 million health care fraud scheme requested this month for an earlier sentencing date for Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada. A jury found the disgraced physician guilty of seven counts of health care fraud and one...
Steps to take to help your health care practice avoid fraud
Our nation’s health care system has grown more complicated. And with these complexities come increased chances for illegal and negligent activity within health care organizations. With this in mind, health care providers must take it upon themselves to prevent...
Dallas dentist ordered to pay $12 million for Medicaid fraud
In a Medicaid fraud case that has lasted for more than a decade, disgraced Dallas dentist Richard Malouf must pay Texas an estimated $12 million. In a major government rip-off, Malouf fraudulently billed Medicaid for dental services that were provided by another...
Doctors, nurses face severe disciplinary actions for misconduct
Health care professionals have always been in high demand, but even more so during the current COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the world. But even in times like these, some doctors and nurses face disciplinary actions that could lead to professional sanctions,...