While many people believe that white collar crime charges may not carry the same types of sentences as other criminal defense convictions, this misconception underestimates how serious these types of crimes are under Louisiana law.
Penalties for health care fraud cases, for example, can be severe, with long-lasting consequences. These types of cases require a tremendous amount of research and attention to detail.
In this blog post, our health care fraud defense attorneys at Capitelli & Wicker delve into the common health care fraud charges prevalent in Louisiana, shedding light on the legal nuances surrounding these allegations.
What is Health Care Fraud?
Health care fraud occurs when medical providers, patients, and others intentionally deceive the health care system to receive unlawful benefits or payments.
Health care fraud may be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the state Attorney General’s office, the U.S. Postal Service, or the Office of the Inspector General.
Some of the common types of charges seen in Louisiana include:
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud
One of the most frequently encountered health care fraud charges in Louisiana pertains to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Accusations often revolve around the submission of false claims, kickbacks, or the provision of medically unnecessary services.
Billing Fraud
Billing fraud encompasses a broad spectrum of offenses, including upcoding, unbundling, and phantom billing.
Prescription Fraud
With the opioid epidemic casting a long shadow over healthcare practices, prescription fraud has become a focal point of legal scrutiny. Individuals and entities may face allegations related to the illegal distribution of prescription medications, forged prescriptions, or involvement in pill mills.
Anti-Kickback Violations
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute is a formidable weapon in the government’s arsenal against health care fraud. Allegations of kickbacks involving healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, or suppliers can have severe consequences.
Stark Law Violations
Physician self-referral laws, commonly known as Stark Law, prohibit certain financial relationships between healthcare providers and entities to whom they refer patients. Accusations of Stark Law violations can be intricate, necessitating a nuanced defense strategy.
Whistleblower Actions
Health care fraud cases in Louisiana often involve whistleblowers who come forward with information about alleged fraudulent activities.
Legal Counsel Tailored for Louisiana's Health Care Landscape
Navigating health care fraud charges in Louisiana demands legal proficiency and an in-depth understanding of the intricate laws governing the healthcare sector.
Capitelli & Wicker, based in New Orleans, has established itself as a formidable defender against health care fraud allegations, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and tailored legal counsel in the face of these complex charges.
