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Okabe & Haushalter Blog

Health Care Fraud: Allegation Without Determination

Okabe & Haushalter Nov 12, 2020 Criminal Defense

Capitalism is the American way. Our culture believes that individuals have the freedom to do what they want, which means they have the ability to climb the financial ladder should they choose to do so. Everything is a business, from schools to health care. There is a bill to be paid. Sometimes accounts get misconstrued, and sometimes they get out of hand. Being accused of Medicare fraud is a serious offense and one not to be taken lightly. Our professional attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter in Los Angeles are ready to protect you from the allegations.

Proven until Innocent

Because of all these lawyer shows and forthright activists on Facebook and social media, it is very easy to assume guilt. People like to think that when they hear someone is charged with a claim, it automatically means you are guilty. However, there is something called the constitution in the due process clause of the 5th and 14th Amendments, which presumes that criminals are innocent until proven guilty.

Our professional attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter in Los Angeles know all too well the judgment and scorn that our clients get and feel because they were charged with a white collar crime. Let us get it straight. A charge does not mean that you are guilty. However, a charge does mean that you are in a bit of a mess, and you need the right kind of representation to make sure that you are getting the right treatment while in court.

Doctor Pays $400k in Medicare Fraud

Early in July, a case was settled for a doctor to pay $400K to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claim Act. In this act, you cannot charge Medicare patients for physical and occupational therapy by unlicensed people. A licensed physician-owned the business, but it was alleged that unlicensed physicians provided care for the clients.
The Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of ensuring that patients get the care they need from licensed professionals. The case started as a whistleblower case in which the whistleblower will receive 15% of the settlement.

There are Two Sides to Every Story

When it comes to severe allegations like Medicare or Medicaid fraud, our professional attorneys know that there are two sides to every story. The government doesn’t make health care the most uncomplicated or most transparent business to get into. Everyone is entitled to make a mistake. We understand that some errors weigh heavier than others, but no one should lose their life’s worth because of an allegation or a mistake.

Because of Covid-19, health care officials are alert more than ever. If you or someone you know has been charged with fraud, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case today by clicking here or calling 310-430-7799.