Los Angeles Medicare Fraud Defense Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights With the Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman

Medicare fraud involves the illegal exploitation of the Medicare healthcare system for financial gain. While Medicare fraud is a real problem that costs the government (and taxpayers) billions of dollars annually, the scope of the problem means that doctors and their medical practices can get swept up in overzealous criminal prosecutions for innocent billing mistakes that happened with no intent to defraud. The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, led by a seasoned Los Angeles white collar criminal defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor handling healthcare fraud cases in L.A., offers robust defense strategies for those accused of Medicare fraud. Our focus includes all manner of healthcare and financial fraud, and we bring a deep understanding of federal laws and procedures to each case.

Common Forms of Medicare Fraud

1. Upcoding: This involves billing Medicare for more expensive services than those actually provided. Upcoding can result from workers in the billing department entering the wrong code for a procedure.

2. Double Billing: In this scenario, providers bill Medicare multiple times for the same service or treatment.

3. Unnecessary Services: Charging for medically unnecessary services, often involving fake diagnoses, is another form of Medicare fraud. Medicare uses algorithms to identify when this is happening, without actually looking into an individual patient’s case and needs.

4. Kickbacks and Referral Schemes: Illegal remuneration for referrals of Medicare patients is a serious offense. These schemes often involve complex networks of providers and other entities. Physician referral laws are complex, and even technical violations can land a medical practice in hot water.

5. Phantom Billing: Billing for services not rendered or for patients who do not exist is a clear-cut case of fraud. This type of fraud is often detected through audits and cross-references of patient records. Proving that a phantom bill is the result of clerical error as opposed to intentional fraud can be an uphill battle but one worth trying, given the high stakes involved.

Defending Against Medicare Fraud Accusations

The consequences of a Medicare fraud conviction can be severe, including hefty fines, restitution payments, and even imprisonment. However, accusations do not equate to guilt. The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman provides a vigorous defense for those facing such charges, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. Possible defenses to Medicare fraud allegations can include, for instance:

1. Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the billing errors were unintentional and due to oversight or misunderstanding can be a valid defense. Intent is a crucial element in fraud cases.

2. Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Questioning the sufficiency and reliability of the evidence is a common defense strategy.

3. Entrapment: In some cases, defendants may argue that they were induced to commit the alleged fraud by government agents or others.

4. Mistake of Fact: This defense involves proving that the accused had a reasonable belief that their actions were not fraudulent or illegal.

How a Healthcare Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

At The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, we understand the complexities of Medicare fraud cases. Our approach includes:

• Thorough Investigation: We conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover all relevant facts and build a strong defense strategy.

• Expert Witnesses: Utilizing medical and financial experts to challenge the prosecution’s claims and demonstrate the legitimacy of billing practices.

• Negotiation Skills: We are adept at negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible.

• Courtroom Experience: Our extensive experience in federal courts equips us to effectively present your case and argue on your behalf.

Contact the Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman for Robust Medicare Fraud Defense in Los Angeles

If you are facing Medicare fraud charges, choosing an experienced defense attorney is critical. The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman offers the expertise, dedication, and strategic acumen needed to navigate these complex cases. Contact us today to protect your rights and reputation in the face of Medicare fraud allegations.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, fill out our online contact form or call us directly at 213-629-1500. We are committed to offering exceptional legal representation in the field of white collar criminal defense, specifically in healthcare and financial fraud cases in Los Angeles.

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