Telehealth / Telemedicine have revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering patients unparalleled access to medical services. However, this innovation has also led to increased regulations and scrutiny from federal and state agencies aiming to detect and prevent fraudulent activities within telehealth practices.
In this changing environment, telehealth providers can unknowingly commit fraud and end up facing serious federal charges and penalties. If convicted of fraud, you can lose your license to practice medicine, get excluded from federal healthcare programs, have to pay substantial fines, and possibly even be sentenced to prison.
Jonathan Rose understands the complexities and nuances of telemedicine regulations and the serious repercussions of healthcare fraud allegations. We are wholly dedicated to defending healthcare providers in Orlando and throughout Florida who are facing these serious allegations. With extensive experience in healthcare fraud and Florida medical license defense, we are well-equipped to navigate the intricate legal landscape of telemedicine.
In fact, some allegations of telehealth fraud are prosecuted only as administrative actions against the provider’s license and never become criminal in nature. However, an action against your license can have devastating consequences for your livelihood and your family.
If you are being investigated for telehealth fraud, or have already been charged with healthcare fraud, it’s crucial to get help from an experienced healthcare fraud defense attorney as soon as possible. Call our office today at 407-894-4555 or fill in the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website to get the help you need to protect your rights and your future.
What Is Telehealth Fraud?
The Department of Justice has recently intensified its focus on telemedicine-related fraud. These cases typically involve fraudulent schemes targeting federal healthcare programs like Medicare. Common examples include:
- Billing for Services Not Rendered – Submitting claims for telehealth consultations or procedures that never occurred.
- Upcoding – Charging for more expensive services than those actually provided during a telehealth session.
- Unbundling – Breaking down services into separate billable components to inflate a claim.
- Unnecessary Prescriptions, Procedures, or Products – Prescribing medications or recommending procedures, tests, or durable medical equipment that are not medically necessary.
- Kickback Schemes – Accepting improper payments in exchange for patient referrals. Telehealth companies may provide kickbacks or bribes to healthcare providers who prescribe unnecessary services or medications.
- Falsifying Documentation – Fabricating medical records or documentation to support fraudulent claims for telehealth services.
The DOJ’s expanded enforcement efforts have already led to more investigations, prosecutions, and convictions for these types of healthcare fraud.
If you’ve been caught in the government’s expanded net and are facing allegations of fraud, contact Attorney Jonathan Rose today at 407-894-4555 or fill out the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website to get the strong defense you need.
What Are the Penalties for Telehealth Fraud in Florida?
The penalties for telehealth fraud can vary widely, depending on the nature and severity of the offense, the amount of money involved, and whether you have any prior criminal history. In general, however, potential penalties for Florida healthcare providers convicted of fraud offenses include:
- A term of imprisonment of up to 10 years in prison per count and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization convicted under 18 U.S. Code § 1347 (Health Care Fraud). If serious injury to a person occurs, the potential prison term increases to 20 years.
- A civil penalty of up to three times Medicare or Medicaid’s loss plus an additional fine of up to $28,619 per false claim submitted under the False Claims Act.
- Exclusion from federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
- Up to five years in prison and a fine for each count if convicted of insurance fraud under Florida state law.
- Revocation of your license or being unable to renew your license to practice in the State of Florida.
If you’re being investigated for healthcare fraud or have already been charged with a violation, seeking legal help from a qualified Florida healthcare fraud defense attorney is crucial for your future. Allegations of healthcare fraud alone can trigger an investigation by the Florida Department of Health that can result in disciplinary action against your license.
Attorney Jonathan Rose has experience in all aspects of health care defense, including medical license defense, and will put his experience, skill and commitment to fight for the rights of health care professionals to work protecting your Florida medical license, your career, and your future.
Telehealth Fraud Defense Attorney – Protecting Your Florida Medical Practice and Reputation
If you are under investigation or have been charged with telehealth fraud, it is crucial to act promptly to safeguard your professional integrity and practice.
- Early Intervention: Engaging with investigators at the outset can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Thoroughly investigating all evidence and analyzing the specifics of your case to develop a powerful, tailored defense strategy.
- Aggressive Defense: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence and working to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or trial.
Navigating telehealth fraud allegations requires experienced legal counsel familiar with both healthcare law and criminal defense. Attorney Jonathan Rose is committed to defending healthcare providers against such charges, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
For a confidential consultation, contact our office at 407-894-4555 or fill in the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website. Get the experienced legal help you need to protect your rights and your future.