How can you work to protect your interests when facing criminal charges? One of the most beneficial steps you can take is to seek an understanding of the specific allegations you are facing and what they entail. When you know what you are up against, you will be able to develop a criminal defense strategy that is uniquely suited to your situation.
It is not always easy to understand the criminal charges against you, especially when it is an alleged activity related to white collar crime. This includes Medicare fraud, which may not seem like a big deal, but can actually result in serious penalties if convicted. If you are facing these types of charges, you do not want to waste any time in learning about your defense options.
What is it, exactly?
Medicare is the government-run system of providing health care assistance to elderly individuals. Defrauding the system in any way is a serious criminal offense, and if convicted, you would face consequences that could alter the course of your life. Essentially, Medicare fraud is the act of claiming reimbursement for services to which you are not entitled. Some of the most common types of Medicare fraud include the following:
- Fraudulent patient billing happens when a person works in conjunction with a health care provider to bill Medicare for any type of fraudulent service in exchange for financial kickbacks.
- Phantom billing is when health care and medical providers bill Medicare for services that were either unnecessary or never actually performed.
- Uncoding and unbundling happens when insurance companies inflate the amount they bill Medicare by using the billing code to adjust the payment amount.
These are a few examples of how a person may commit Medicare fraud. Financially motivated crimes are typically complex and require a lengthy period of investigation. Whether you are facing formal charges or you are still under investigation, it is in your interests to start formulating your defense strategy as soon as possible.
The right way to confront these charges
You do not have to confront legal charges alone. It is in your interests to work with an experienced Florida defense attorney from the very beginning of your case. Your future is worth protecting, and you can take the first step of this process simply by reaching out for an assessment of your case and an explanation of the legal options available to you.