Thanks to state and federal government funds, thousands of Columbia residents can receive the medical care they need. Unfortunately, fraud is prevalent throughout this system, and these actions reduce the funding needed to keep it afloat.
To root out fraud and recoup what was lost, the government offers a path to financial compensation for anyone willing to provide information that might lead to an arrest.
A Columbia healthcare fraud whistleblower lawyer could assist you in seeking a monetary award and protect your privacy. Schedule a meeting with one of our seasoned whistleblower attorneys today to learn more.
Fraud in the healthcare system can take many different forms. Some acts are carried out by medical providers, others by patients, and certain cases involve the two conspiring together.
Medical providers can cheat the government with their billing practices. For example, they bill for services that were never performed or seek reimbursement twice for the same invoice. Providers might also upcode, which is the term for billing for a more expensive version of the care that was actually provided to the patient.
Not all acts of fraud involve doctors or hospitals. Patients have been known to commit fraud by committing identity theft. In rare cases, they might even work with a healthcare professional to seek unneeded treatment and then receive a kickback of a portion of the fraudulent fee.
While the government has a vested interest in ending fraud in the healthcare field, it often lacks the resources to investigate these matters thoroughly. Instead, it relies on a system of rewarding whistleblowers who provide evidence of fraud.
However, not everyone who hands over these details to the federal government is entitled to compensation. A healthcare fraud whistleblower lawyer in Columbia must file a writ of qui tam.
When the writ and supporting evidence are submitted, the government will investigate the claim. If these details lead to the recouping of fraudulently obtained funds, the whistleblower could be entitled to up to 25 percent.
Many individuals who come forward with evidence of fraud are employees of the companies involved in the wrongdoing. These people may provide the government with evidence related to the bad acts of their coworkers, direct superiors, or employers. Understandably, they might fear some kind of retaliation if their efforts became public.
In the early stages of a qui tam action, it is possible to proceed without having the whistleblower’s identity revealed. In the future, legal options will also be available for anyone who faces retaliation on the job. A Columbia healthcare fraud whistleblower attorney could pursue the following remedies:
In most situations, this type of legal action will not be necessary. However, if it does come to this point, a lawyer could help their client take the essential steps to pursue justice.
If you are in possession of information about fraudulent activity, you might be entitled to seek compensation through a writ of qui tam. This process can be rewarding, but it is not always straightforward.
Let a Columbia healthcare fraud whistleblower lawyer advise you along the way. Call today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your options.
