By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On December 20, 2013, a New Hampshire dentist was indicted on 189 counts of Medicaid fraud, according to a number of news sources. The dentist is alleged to have made false claims to the New Hampshire Medicaid office for procedures such as oral exams, X-rays, tooth extractions and orthopedic treatments performed between 2008 and 2013. According to the Concord Monitor, the dentist faces a maximum sentence of 1,323 years in prison. However, it is unlikely the dentist will receive such a long sentence. It is even more unlikely that he will serve the entire sentence, even if he does receive the maximum.
To read an article from the Concord Monitor, click here.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office Brought Charges.
According to an article in the Union Leader, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the state Attorney General’s (AG) Office handed down the charges against the dentist. Most of the indictment alleges that the claims made by the dentist were unjustified based on treatment records. The dentist is also accused of billing the Medicaid program for individual services he was already being reimbursed for under a lump-sum treatment plan.
The dentist was also allegedly indicted on nearly 30 counts of falsifying evidence. According to the Union Leader, once the dentist found out he was being investigated, the dentist allegedly attempted to alter his medical records.
According to his attorney the dentist plans to plead not guilty at his arraignment on January 15, 2014.
Click here to read the entire Union Leader article.
Poor Documentation or Fraud?
When we look at cases of this nature, we always ask was this just a case of poor documentation or was it intentional fraud? Was this a case of an incompetent biller or was it intentional submission of false claims? In many cases, poor administration or poor documentation can explain what may look like fraud to a regulator or prosecutor.
Tips for Responding to a MFCU Investigative Subpoena.
The MFCU is in charge of investigating and prosecuting health care providers suspected of defrauding the state’s Medicaid program. When the unit opens a case against a provider, the first step is usually the issuance of an investigative subpoena, requesting specific records. It is important to remember that the MFCU would not be involved unless criminal fraud was suspected. This is not a routine audit. Click here to read practice tips on how to properly respond to a subpoena.
Fraud Charges Should be Taken Seriously.
We have been consulted by many individuals similar to the subject of this story, both before and after criminal convictions for fraud or related offenses. In many instances, we are convinced that the person is actually not guilty of fraud. However, in many cases those subject to Medicaid or Medicare fraud audits and investigations refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of the matter or they decide not to spend the money required for a top quality attorney to defend them.
If you are accused of Medicare or Medicaid fraud, realize that you are in the fight of your life. Your liberty, life and profession are at stake. You need to hire the absolute best criminal defense attorney available who has experience in defending such cases to represent you.
If you win and are acquitted, at least you still have a professional license and can start over. However, if you lose, you will most probably be in prison for years. You will lose your license. You will be excluded from Medicare. You will be a convicted felon. You will have nothing and will have no way of starting over successfully.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Dentists.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to dentists in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Board of Dentistry and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.
Our firm also routinely represents physicians, dentists, orthodontists, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, home health care agencies, nursing homes and other health care providers in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits and recovery actions.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at http://www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Comments?
Have you heard of the MFCU? How would you respond to a subpoena from the MFCU? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.
Sources:
Blackman, Jeremy. “Manchester Dentist Faces 1,300 Years in Medicaid Fraud Scheme.” Concord Monitor. (December 30, 2013). From: http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/10005460-95/manchester-dentist-faces-1300-years-in-medicaid-fraud-case
Siefer, Ted. “Manchester Dentist Indicted on 189 Counts of Medicaid Fraud.” Union Leader. (January 1, 2014). From: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140101/NEWS03/140109940
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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