Long Island Federal Healthcare Fraud Lawyer

Federal Healthcare Fraud Attorney in Long Island, NY

Facing federal healthcare charges can be an incredibly stressful experience, and when it happens to you, it may be difficult to know where to turn. When you need a Long Island federal healthcare fraud lawyer to answer your questions, the Law Office of Jonathan Savella has the skills and dedicated experience to help you through this challenging situation.

Understanding federal healthcare fraud laws is complicated, and trying to navigate federal healthcare charges on your own is not something you want to do. Instead, seeking out professional legal counsel can provide you with the guidance you need to move forward. Penalties for federal healthcare fraud charges can be severe, and you need strong legal representation on your side.

How the Law Office of Jonathan Savella Can Help

At the Law Office of Jonathan Savella, we have 16 years of experience defending individuals and businesses in sophisticated criminal and civil matters. When you need to hire a federal healthcare fraud lawyer to handle your federal healthcare fraud case, our Long Island federal healthcare fraud attorney can help you understand the law and build a strong defense.

Most people find the court system stressful, so if you are worried about being in the courtroom, you are not alone. Long Island federal healthcare fraud cases go through the Suffolk County Court on Center Drive. Regardless of your familiarity with the court system, our legal team can help you through every step of the process, meeting all deadlines and requirements.

What Is Federal Healthcare Fraud?

Federal healthcare fraud is a white-collar crime involving the intentional deception of government programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, to gain illicit payments. Healthcare fraud includes a wide range of actions within medical systems, and you may face charges in a variety of circumstances. If you face healthcare charges, it is essential to understand the severity of your situation and the details of your charges.

Common examples of federal healthcare fraud schemes include:

• Billing for services not rendered
• Upcoding
• Unbundling
• Kickbacks
• Medically unnecessary services
• Falsifying records
• Duplicate or phantom billing
• Prescription fraud
• Home healthcare fraud
• Identity theft

These are just some examples of healthcare fraud. Your individual situation may differ, and it is critical to speak to an experienced healthcare fraud attorney as soon as possible. When you contact us about your case, we can look at the details of your charges to see why you are facing these penalties and go from there. Together, we can build a solid case.

Investigating Federal Healthcare Fraud

Investigating federal healthcare fraud is primarily handled by the FBS and the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to combat billing fraud, kickbacks, and false claims in Medicare and Medicaid. Authorities use data analysis, audits, and whistleblower tips to identify fraud, frequently employing Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to compel documentation.

When you bring your healthcare fraud case to our firm, we can meticulously review records, including patient charts, billing records, and financial statements, to compare them with Medicare and Medicaid data. We can also investigate and analyze all of the facts against you to build a strong case in your defense. If evidence is found during an investigation, we can prepare for litigation and negotiate settlements.

Federal Healthcare Fraud Losses and Penalties

The costs and penalties for federal health fraud are heavy. The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) estimates healthcare fraud-related financial losses of tens of billions of dollars every year. Some agencies estimate losses as high as 10%, although a more conservative estimate is 3% of all healthcare expenses,

Federal healthcare fraud penalties under 18 U.S.C. §1347 include up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines per offense. Penalties increase to 20 years for serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment if the fraud results in death. Additional penalties include mandatory exclusion from federal programs, civil false claims penalties, and restitution.

Why Should I Hire a Federal Healthcare Fraud Lawyer?

Hiring a federal healthcare fraud lawyer is critical to navigate complex federal healthcare fraud laws and investigations, protect your professional license, and defend against severe penalties, including prison, massive fines, and exclusion from federal programs. When you hire a Long Island federal healthcare fraud lawyer at the Law Office of Jonathan Savella, we can handle all of the legal complexities.

FAQs

When Should I Contact a Healthcare Fraud Lawyer?

Contact a healthcare fraud lawyer immediately if you receive a subpoena, target letter, CID, or, if you are a professional, notice of an audit or licensure investigation from federal agencies, such as OIG, FBI, or CMS. Early legal counsel is crucial to navigate investigations and allegations, with earlier intervention potentially preventing criminal charges.

What Is the Federal False Claims Act for Healthcare?

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. § 3729, is a cornerstone law prohibiting individuals and entities from knowingly submitting false claims to federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. It imposes severe penalties for billing fraud, which may include things like services not rendered, upcoding, or medically unnecessary care.

How Much Does a Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Charge?

Healthcare fraud lawyers typically charge a wide range of hourly rates depending on experience, with partners often billing at the highest rates and junior associates offering lower rates. For defense, retainer fees are common, while some cases may use a contingency fee structure. The total cost of a healthcare fraud lawyer ultimately depends on the complexity of the case.

What Are the Three Requirements for Fraud?

The three core requirements for fraud, known as the Fraud Triangle, are pressure (incentive/motivation), opportunity (ability to commit), and rationalization (justification). All three elements generally must be present for an individual’s actions to be considered fraud. Fraud may also often involve financial pressure, weak internal controls, and a mindset that excuses the deceitful behavior.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

When you need to hire a Long Island federal healthcare fraud lawyer to help you navigate complex laws and to handle your federal healthcare fraud case, the Law Office of Jonathan Savella has the skills and experience to help. Using our extensive criminal law background, we can build a strong case for you. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.