One of the first questions healthcare practitioners ask when under healthcare fraud investigation is, “Can I still continue my practice?” According to our Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney, the answer is yes, you can still continue your practice, and you can continue to do so unless ordered to surrender your license.
Not only that, but the law affords you numerous rights while under investigation, rights of which you need to be fully aware so that you can ensure they aren’t thwarted.
Your Rights While Under Healthcare Fraud Investigations
A lot of healthcare practitioners aren’t aware of an investigation regarding healthcare fraud until they receive a mailed notification or worse yet, are arrested. The investigation may have been underway for some time.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, initiated in March 2007, operates in Miami, among eight other cities. This group has charged more than 1,500 defendants for more than $5 billion. Because of its high rate of pill mills and Medicare patients, South Florida physicians have been forced to deal with increased incidents of health care fraud charges, accurate or not.
If you’re facing criminal charges related to healthcare fraud, you have the same rights as others facing criminal charges, you have the right to:
- know the details of the charges against you;
- legal representation; and
- withhold answers until you consult with your criminal attorney.
Your Practice May Still be in Danger
The crackdown on healthcare fraud isn’t going to slow down any time soon. The consequences of conviction could mean steep fines and prison time, not to mention losing your license.
While you still may be able to continue your practice while under investigation, your business and professional reputation may still be in danger. If rumor spreads that a judge issued a search warrant and you are under healthcare fraud investigation, it can seriously tarnish your reputation and hurt the future success of your practice.
At the first indication that you are under investigation, secure a criminal attorney. You’ll want to select a local healthcare fraud criminal attorney who is not only professional and discreet, but one with a track record of helping defend clients against accusations of fraud.
Continuing Your Practice in the Interim
In the meantime, conduct your business as usual, and ensure you are doing everything possible to meet the staunch legal rules and requirements of your practice. Make sure you are strictly adhering to the books to protect your practice from additional fraud accusations. Evaluate and carefully scrutinize your practice.
Continue legitimate practices by:
- double-checking staff billing code input;
- taking complete notes for patients;
- documenting all services;
- rigorously noting the time you spend with patients; and
- outlining your compliance with any billing requirements.
Our Criminal Attoreny Will Protect Your Best Interests
If you are under investigation for healthcare fraud, contact our criminal attorney to discuss your case. Healthcare fraud criminal attorney Robert David Malove is a trial lawyer with three decades of experience in both federal and state courts. Contact us today at the Law Offices of Robert David Malove in Fort Lauderdale if you are under healthcare fraud investigation. Call (888) 744-8225 for a free, no-obligation consultation to review the details of your case.
