A New York man recently agreed to a plea deal with the government for allegations of health care fraud. According to his plea agreement, the accused requested blank prescriptions from a physician friend. The accused then put in the names of other patients and made copies of the prescriptions to help perpetrate a fraudulent scheme.
HHS proposes changes to Stark Law and AKS: 4 things to know
On October 9, 2019, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed some of the largest changes to the Stark Law, which guides physician self-referrals, and the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) discussed in decades. The proposals are part of the government’s broader attempt to encourage coordinated care efforts.
Hospital investigates nurse after offensive social media posts
Most people in the country use social media in one form or another. One estimate finds almost two out of three Americans use these online platforms to connect with others. Facebook is the most popular, but sites like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube are also commonplace.
Those in certain professions are wise to use social media responsibly. A failure to do so can result in negative consequences at work. Those in the medical profession, like nurses, are one example of professionals that can experience negative consequences from social media use.
Medicare Fraud Strike Force arrests 5 New Yorkers
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force recently announced the arrest of five New Yorkers based on charges of health care fraud. The arrests were part of a larger coordinated health care fraud enforcement action that led to the arrest of 48 individuals throughout the Northeast in connection to a scheme involving over $800 million in false and fraudulent claims.
First major federal opioid case ends in settlement
The government has not held back on its promise to hold those it deems responsible for the opioid crisis accountable in court. This promise has held true in the first federal case, involving local government agencies holding opioid distributors and manufacturers financially accountable for the damage the government claims the drugs have caused within their community.
Government accuses doctor of reusing contaminated catheters
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently accused an internal medicine physician of reusing single use catheters. The government claims the physician would repackage the medical devices and reuse them during future procedures. These allegations are part of a larger set of criminal charges.
Want to run a successful diagnostic lab? These 2 tips can help.
Patients who seek services in the health care industry are starting to expect clarity from their providers. Whether seeking a dental cleaning, cancer screening or blood test, patients are more regularly asking about the service they will receive and the likely cost. Diagnostic and reference labs can make the most of this new trend in patient care with the following tips:
- Determine eligibility. Insurance coverage often impacts a patient’s cost for care. Diagnostic labs can increase patient satisfaction by addressing this issue before moving forward with testing. Whenever possible, take a moment to verify patient coverage and discuss any applicable deductibles or copayments that may apply to the services.
Report finds NY region ranks 3rd in nation for RN compensation
A new report by Medscape finds nurses in the Mid-Atlantic region ranked third for compensation rates in the country. The region includes New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington D.C. The report found the average RN income in this area in 2018 was $84,000.
The researchers with the study report the East South-Central area including Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee along with the West North Central area including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri were the lowest paid at $70,000 and $73,000 annually, respectively.
Feds charge nurse with taking illegal kickbacks
It is generally illegal to get benefits in exchange for referring patients to health care providers. A registered nurse care coordinator is experiencing just how serious the government is when it comes to allegations of health care fraud.
NY ambulance company owners take plea deal in fraud case
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) recently concluded an investigation of a New York based ambulatory company. The MFSF is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) tasked with deterring fraud and enforcing applicable laws.
The investigation allegedly resulted in evidence of health care fraud.
