Healthcare Fraud

Raleigh Attorneys with Decades of Experience in Federal Healthcare Fraud Investigations

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force and other federal authorities aggressively pursue charges against individuals and organizations suspected of healthcare fraud. While being charged with a federal crime can lead to severe penalties, just facing an investigation can have lasting consequences for practitioners and other healthcare providers as well. Cheshire Parker Schneider's Raleigh defense attorneys provide experienced representation for healthcare fraud investigations in North Carolina, and our goal in every case is to end our client’s investigation before it causes irreparable harm.

Healthcare Fraud Cases We Handle

Our healthcare fraud defense practice includes representing physicians, medical facilities, pharmacies, medical equipment providers and others in the healthcare industry in the following types of matters:

Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute

The Stark Law prohibits physicians from providing referrals for “designated health services” to entities in which they hold a financial interest or otherwise have a financial relationship. Entities receiving improper referrals under the Stark Law can also face liability if they bill Medicare or Medicaid for the referred services. Under the Anti-Kickback Statute, healthcare providers can face penalties for paying (or receiving) fees and other forms of remuneration in exchange for Medicare and Medicaid referrals. Together, the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute provide federal investigators and prosecutors with an effective tool kit for combating some of the most common forms of healthcare fraud.

Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

Along with the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, several other federal laws impose penalties for a wide range of practices constituting Medicare and Medicaid fraud. From billing Medicare for medically-unnecessary supplies to providing false certifications for home health services, virtually any practice that leads to an improper receipt of payment from Medicare or Medicaid can trigger an invasive and disruptive federal investigation.

False Claims Act

The False Claims Act is another of the federal government’s primary tools for combating Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Under the False Claims Act, any provider who submits a false or fraudulent claim for reimbursement can potentially face exorbitant financial liability — and potentially even time behind bars. Like other forms of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, violating the False Claims Act can also lead to disqualification from future participation in government healthcare benefit programs, and for physicians it can put their professional licenses at risk for suspension or revocation.

Focused and Strategic Defense Strategies for Healthcare Fraud Investigations

At Cheshire Parker Schneider, we know what a healthcare fraud investigation can mean for your business or practice, and we are committed to helping our clients assert their rights in order to minimize their exposure. There are numerous potential defenses to allegations of healthcare fraud, and the key to building an effective defense strategy is to get started as soon as possible.

Speak with a Raleigh Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyer at Cheshire Parker Schneider

If you or your business is under investigation for healthcare fraud in North Carolina, contact the Raleigh healthcare fraud defense attorneys at Cheshire Parker Schneider to schedule a confidential consultation. Call (919) 833-3114 or contact us online now.

Attorneys:  Elliot Sol Abrams, Hart Miles, Joseph Blount Cheshire V

False Claims Act

The False Claims Act is a federal statute that imposes civil and criminal penalties for healthcare providers who submit fraudulent reimbursement claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal benefit programs. The government can choose to investigate healthcare providers under the False Claims Act independently; or, it can launch an investigation in response to the filing of a qui tam lawsuit. Read More
Attorneys: Elliot Sol Abrams, Hart Miles, Joseph Blount Cheshire V

Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

For physicians, hospitals, and others in the healthcare industry, Medicare and Medicaid are crucial federal benefit programs that provide the funding necessary to treat patients who lack access to private health insurance. Unfortunately, due to widespread abuse, providers in North Carolina and around the country are increasingly facing federal investigations involving allegations of Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Read More
Attorneys: Elliot Sol Abrams, Hart Miles, Joseph Blount Cheshire V

Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute

The Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are federal laws that prohibit the solicitation, payment and receipt of patient referrals and compensation for patient referrals under a broad range of circumstances. Both laws apply in cases where payment for services rendered is to be made through a federal benefit program (such as Medicare or Medicaid), making violations of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute a form of healthcare fraud. Read More
Attorneys: Elliot Sol Abrams, Hart Miles, Joseph Blount Cheshire V