The federal government enforces the Stark Law and anti-kickback statutes in Columbia to prevent physicians from referring Medicare or Medicaid patients to treatments solely to bill the government. Any arrangements involving this type of quid pro quo can have serious consequences.
If you have detailed information about kickbacks or other unlawful transactions in the medical industry, you may have a viable case for compensation. With the help of a dedicated whistleblower attorney, you could file a qui tam lawsuit and recover an award for assisting in bringing that person to justice.
The anti-kickback statute prohibits any transaction in which a physician refers a patient for reimbursable medical treatment in exchange for something of value. This is a criminal statute, meaning evidence of kickbacks could result in steep monetary fines and jail time.
Federal law makes it a crime for anyone to knowingly and willfully solicit, make, offer, or receive something of value in exchange for referring a patient on Medicare or Medicaid to a medical facility. It does not matter if the purpose of the referral is valid or not. Kickbacks significantly increase the risk of doctors referring patients for treatment they do not need at the government’s expense.
The Stark Law addresses a specific type of fraud known as physician self-referrals. It relates to a doctor’s ability to refer patients receiving Medicaid or Medicare benefits. To avoid self-dealing and running up unnecessary charges, a physician is barred from referring these patients to a facility where the doctor has a financial interest.
Unlike anti-kickback statutes, violations of the Stark Act in Columbia are not criminal offenses. While they are only a civil violation, the consequences of being caught in a self-referral scheme can be costly.
These rules are extensive. Congress has aggressively taken steps to prevent physicians from defrauding the government by making referrals for unnecessary care. The law extends beyond doctors, as these violations can also involve facilities owned by family members of the physician.
When a member of the public has evidence of a Stark Law violation, they have the opportunity to cooperate with the government to report the fraudulent transactions. This is more than just the right thing to do; it is an opportunity to earn a monetary award for holding the violators accountable.
Whistleblowers are often employees of the companies involved in the kickback scheme. When their efforts succeed in securing a criminal conviction, the whistleblower may be able to retain a portion of the penalty recovered by filing a qui tam lawsuit. It is crucial for anyone considering a qui tam claim in Columbia to understand the Stark Law and anti-kickback statutes.
If you have evidence of kickbacks or self-referrals in the medical industry, now is the right time to talk to a lawyer. This information could be used as part of a qui tam claim if you cooperate with the government.
You may be entitled to a portion of any fees or penalties recovered thanks to the information you provided. Reach out to an attorney today to discuss Stark Law and anti-kickback statutes in Columbia.
