Category Archives: General
What to Expect When Facing an OIG Investigation
Healthcare providers who participate in Medicare, Medi-Cal, or other federally funded programs operate under constant regulatory oversight. Among the most powerful enforcement bodies in this space is the Office of Inspector General, commonly referred to as the OIG. When the OIG initiates an investigation, it is rarely routine, and it is never something to… Read More »
Los Angeles Healthcare Fraud Defense Attorney Quoted in Politico Article
Stanley L. Friedman was interviewed for an article recently published by the politics and policy news publication Politico. The article concerns the increased scrutiny and potential rise in prosecutions of Medicaid fraud coming from the federal government, primarily regarding reimbursement claims for home and community-based services. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the… Read More »
Understanding “Upcoding”: What It Is and Why It’s Prosecuted
Healthcare providers operate in a complex billing environment where thousands of services must be coded accurately in order to receive reimbursement from government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medi-Cal. While coding errors sometimes occur unintentionally, federal and state authorities take a particularly aggressive stance toward a practice known as upcoding. When investigators believe… Read More »
Record Expungement in California
A criminal conviction can follow you for years, long after you’ve served your sentence or completed probation. It can affect your job prospects, your professional license, your reputation, and even your ability to secure housing. For many people, one of the most important steps toward truly moving on is clearing their criminal record when… Read More »
How You Can Help Your Attorney Prepare Your Healthcare Fraud Defense
Facing allegations of white-collar crimes such as healthcare fraud or financial fraud can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The stakes are high; your reputation, career, and even your freedom may be on the line. In these situations, working closely with an experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney is essential. But your lawyer cannot—and should… Read More »
What Is a Subpoena Duces Tecum?
A subpoena duces tecum is a powerful legal tool used to compel a person or organization to produce documents, records, or evidence in a legal proceeding. This type of subpoena plays a crucial role in various legal cases, especially in criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and administrative proceedings. If you or your business has received… Read More »
Common Defenses to Healthcare Fraud Charges
Healthcare fraud charges are serious federal offenses that can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines, loss of professional licenses, and lengthy prison sentences. However, as with any criminal case, charges are only accusations. You are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution bears the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt…. Read More »
Penalties for Healthcare Fraud Convictions (and how to avoid them)
Healthcare fraud is a serious offense that carries significant legal consequences at both the state and federal levels. Convictions for healthcare fraud can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, restitution, and exclusion from federal healthcare programs. If you are under investigation or facing charges for healthcare fraud, it is critical to understand the… Read More »
Understanding the Role of Data Analytics in Detecting Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud is one of the most high-profile issues at both the state and federal levels, leading government agencies to expend enormous resources to investigate and prosecute suspected instances of fraud involving government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Increasingly, data analytics has become a critical tool for detecting and preventing fraud. Below we look… Read More »
Healthcare Fraud in the Age of COVID-19: New Challenges and Legal Considerations
The COVID-19 pandemic not only strained the healthcare system but also created new opportunities for fraud and abuse. From inflated billing practices to the misuse of government relief funds, healthcare fraud cases surged as federal and state authorities ramped up enforcement. For individuals and entities accused of healthcare fraud, understanding the evolving landscape is… Read More »