Healthcare Fraud Archives

COVID-19 Tests and Potential Kickback Enforcement

One of the largest issues hampering the re-opening of the American economy is that there are many asymptomatic yet contagious carriers of COVID-19. Rational leaders, medical experts, and scientists agree that widespread testing is essential to prevent further hotspots and determine which areas of the country may start to open again. Tests to determine whether a person is currently infected, as well as antibody tests to determine whether a person has been exposed and may have some immunity to the virus, will soon be widely available from many new sources. Companies cannot make informed decisions about when and how to re-open without knowing if their employees are healthy. State and local governments cannot determine how to move forward without this critical information. The federal government has assisted testing companies and labs by removing some of the FDA safeguards and time periods normally in place to ensure quality standards and safety.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-09-29T19:06:52-04:00April 20th, 2020|Healthcare Fraud, White Collar Criminal Defense|0 Comments

Coronavirus and Related-Fraud Prosecutions are on the Rise

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and various state agencies have announced that they will aggressively pursue fraudulent schemes related to COVID-19. On March 16, Attorney General William Barr directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of all criminal conduct related to the Coronavirus pandemic. Each office was directed to appoint a COVID-19 fraud coordinator to serve as the liaison between the local Department of Justice and their state and local counterparts.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-09-29T15:43:28-04:00March 30th, 2020|Criminal Investigation, Healthcare Fraud|0 Comments

Healthcare Fraud Still a Top Government Priority

Investigating and prosecuting healthcare fraud remains one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice. Nationwide crackdowns and arrests have demonstrated that the government’s war on crime goes beyond drugs, guns, and gangs. While those are certainly a priority of DOJ and an easy way to boost prosecution numbers nationwide, they are by no means the only priority.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-10-02T17:21:48-04:00December 16th, 2019|Healthcare Fraud|0 Comments

Telemedicine – New Frontiers in Medicine and Potential Legal Issues

The United States is slowly moving to catch up with medical practices in some European and Asian countries in using technology to avoid an in-person doctor’s appointment. Without having to schedule and wait for an appointment, take time off from work, or leave home, a person can have common aliments diagnosed using their smartphone. Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication and technology to provide clinical healthcare at a distance.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-10-02T19:22:17-04:00September 24th, 2018|Healthcare Fraud, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud|0 Comments

Healthcare Fraud Investigations – What Does the Government Look For?

Federal and state prosecutors are increasingly aggressive in their investigation and prosecution of healthcare fraud. Given the vast amounts of government or private insurance monies that can be exploited, the penalties have increased for healthcare professionals and others who engage in fraudulent activities. Sentences of 10 years or more, in addition to forfeitures, restitution and fines in the millions of dollars, are becoming commonplace.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-10-02T19:58:56-04:00April 4th, 2018|Healthcare Fraud|0 Comments

How seriously does the government take health care fraud?

It does not take long to find examples of people being accused of trying to defraud the system of government-provided health care. Take, for example, the recent story of a doctor in Englewood, New Jersey who is being charged with health care fraud in connection with charges for office visits that never took place, or prescription refills billed as office visits. His case, which will be heard in a federal court in Newark, is not unusual.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-11-09T16:34:40-04:00September 12th, 2016|Healthcare Fraud|0 Comments

Most Common Federal Business Frauds

Violations of any number of federal statutes have the potential to jeopardize a business and can, in many cases, result in individuals going to prison. In addition, restitution and forfeiture may be applicable. Below, we delve into some of the most commonly encountered federal business fraud statutes.

By Robert G. Stahl, Esq.|2023-10-02T17:13:21-04:00September 12th, 2016|Business Fraud, Falsifying Documents, Healthcare Fraud, Internet Crimes, Securities Fraud, Wire and Mail Fraud|0 Comments