Defending Against Health Care Fraud In Tampa
Health care fraud investigations can upend your professional and personal life, especially when they come without warning. Medical professionals often don’t know they’re under scrutiny until they receive a subpoena, a civil investigative demand or an unexpected visit from federal agents. These cases are often built quietly and aggressively, with government agencies gathering months of evidence before making their move.
If you have been contacted or suspect that you are under investigation, now is the time to speak with an experienced health care fraud attorney. At The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A., attorney Mark Rankin represents physicians, nurses, pharmacists, administrators and other health care professionals across the greater Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida.
What Makes Health Care Fraud Charges So Serious?
Health care fraud charges often lead to more than criminal penalties. In addition to the risk of prison time and substantial fines, licensed professionals may face disciplinary action from state boards, loss of hospital privileges, exclusion from government health care programs and permanent damage to their careers.
As your criminal defense lawyer, attorney Rankin has deep experience defending against a wide range of health care fraud allegations, including:
- Medicare fraud: Billing for services not rendered, submitting false claims or engaging in schemes to defraud the Medicare program can lead to a federal indictment. These cases often involve complex billing data and require a meticulous legal response.
- Medicaid fraud: Similar to Medicare fraud, these charges may involve overbilling, misrepresenting services or unauthorized patient enrollment. Florida’s Medicaid program is closely monitored, and prosecutions are common.
- Upcoding: Charging for a higher level of service than what was actually provided can result in criminal and civil penalties.
- Phantom billing: Submitting claims for services never performed or for patients never seen is a red flag for federal investigators.
- Self-referral violations: Referring patients to facilities or services where the provider has a financial interest can run afoul of the Stark Law and lead to additional scrutiny.
- Medical identity theft: Using or misusing patient information for unauthorized billing or treatments can lead to federal charges and privacy violations.
Because these cases can trigger multiple consequences, it’s critical to have a defense attorney who understands the full scope of what’s at stake.
Understanding The Anti-Kickback Statute
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) prohibits the exchange of anything of value to induce or reward referrals for services covered by federal health care programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. This includes cash payments, free rent, lavish gifts or excessive speaking fees.
Violations of the AKS are aggressively investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice. Even if you believe your business arrangement was legitimate, prosecutors may interpret it as an illegal inducement or improper financial relationship.
Speak With A Florida Health Care Fraud Attorney Today
If you are under investigation or have been charged with health care fraud, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, or a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, don’t wait. The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A., offers confidential and strategic legal guidance for health care professionals throughout Florida.
Attorney Rankin is available to meet at any of his three offices: Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater. He can even meet you virtually if needed. Call the firm at 877-620-0898 or send a message online to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable Florida health care fraud lawyer today.