Introduction
Quality health care is a universal human right. It is a general principle that every human deserves to have access to health care services for the goal of achieving timely health outcomes. While coverage in health care insurance is a privilege, to be a victim from fraudulent activities is not a choice.
Health Care Fraud, also known as Medicare Fraud, involves the swindling of health care claims for a goal to profit. Categorized as one of the common white-collar crimes in the United States, Medicare Fraud can be manifested in various ways.
Health Care Fraud is a criminal act of obtaining money or property using deliberated false promises and pretenses punishable under Sec. 1341, Title 18 of the US Code.
The FBI estimates that Healthcare Fraud costs American taxpayers $80 billion a year. As much as you don’t want to be part of the $80 billion scammed costs, you also ensure that your family and friends are secured away from fraudulent activities. That being the case, you need a healthcare lawyer to get your protection today.
Who are the victims of healthcare fraud?
Health care fraud is a threat to the lives of taxpayers, the elderly in the hospice, and patients in the hospital.
In 2010, The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or C.M.S., estimated that $65 billion accounted for improper federal payments by the two programs. In 2011, a RAND Corporation analyst revealed in a study that $98 billion was wasted due to fraud and abuse costs in Medicare and Medicaid.
Hospice areas and home health care facilities are targeted by areas of Health care fraud. The elderly are jeopardized by this evil design. Recent cases have shown that some Medicare representatives have victimized senior citizens to sign up for a “free” massage and fraudulently billed for physical therapy. Some doctors have also admitted patients for hospice care who are not terminally ill.
Even young professionals and medical staff have no escape in health care fraud. For instance, a case involving a patient with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with unnecessary treatment. As a result of the false diagnoses, chemotherapy injections, intravenous infusions, and other unnecessary profit-driven medical procedures, targeted patients as young as 13 have suffered physical and psychological trauma.
5 Things a Health Care Lawyer Can Do For You
#1 A Health Care Lawyer Knows the Tactics and People to Deal in the Litigation
A health care lawyer has a strong correspondence on communicating with the right persons who can contribute to the success of your case. His connections from a local court such as judges, clerk of courts, and prosecutors, are his edge in a successful litigation.
On the other hand, a health care lawyer knows no intimidation when dealing with insurance companies in cases that involve health care benefits and claims. As much as winning the case, a health care lawyer finds ways to develop negotiation on companies involved.
#2 A Health Care Lawyer Has Proven Experience and Extensive Knowledge Of Health Care Laws and Legal System
Cases involving health care fraud involve a tough and complex process. It is a win-or-lose battle, where you may charge an individual or a health care provider for damages and compensation for the medical expenses and other torts.
A health care lawyer ensures that his proven experiences and extensive knowledge of health care laws such as Stark and Anti-Kickback Statute are taking the case into a successful closure and winning your side.
Remember, a health care lawyer is hitting two birds in one stone: medical and legal fields. Therefore, his concentration is balanced through the context of potential civil litigation.
#3 A Health Care Lawyer Speeds Up the Process
While a health care lawyer involves both civil and criminal cases, you don’t need to hire two lawyers to make your case prosperous.
Case documents need to be timely filed and its court hearings need to be keenly monitored. Precisely, a health care lawyer ensures that the case is filed on time before its prescriptive period and court hearings are attended following its time.
Further, a health care lawyer is enough to help get the medical attention you deserve.
#4 A Health Care Lawyer Negotiates To Settle
Negotiating with insurance companies needs a painstaking plan and strategy to convince them to accept your first offer. Hence, you need a health care lawyer who knows how to negotiate and settle the case without so many costs.
A health care lawyer is persuasive when it comes to bargaining for lower compensation in cases involving medical malpractices and insurance claims. He is equipped with many legal techniques through his previous experience.
Further, health care fraud litigation needs to settle in the mediation phase before it actualizes in a court hearing.
#5 A Health Care Law Stays with You At All Times
In the trying times during a health care litigation, your health care lawyer is your trusted friend to rely upon.
A health care lawyer works with diligence and upholds discretion. He knows how to uphold discretion through practicing data privacy and to maintain an earnest diligence through a wholesome dedication in studying your case.
Henceforth, your health care lawyer is not only your professional help but also a trusted friend that looks after your welfare.
Key Takeaways
Health care fraud is a threat to the lives of taxpayers, the elderly in the hospice, and patients in the hospital. More than $80 billion a year wasted due to the fraudulent activities posed to Medicare and Medi Fraud.
While coverage in health care insurance is a privilege, to be a victim of health care fraud is not by choice. That is why you need a medicare fraud attorney who does these five things for your legal protection:
- A Health Care Lawyer Knows the Tactics and People to Deal in the Litigation
- A Health Care Lawyer Has Proven Experience and Extensive Knowledge Of Health Care Laws and Legal System
- A Health Care Lawyer Speeds Up the Process
- A Health Care Lawyer Negotiates To Settle
- A Health Care Lawyer Stays with You At All Times
Cases in health care fraud are a tough and complex process. Let a health care lawyer simplify it for you.
