COVID-19 Testing Fraud Charges Are Increasing: Turn to a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles CA for Help

COVID-19 Testing Fraud Charges Are Increasing: Turn to a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles CA for HelpThe DOJ and other authorities are targeting all forms of COVID-19 testing fraud, as seen by recent publicized investigations. One of the things driving the government’s enforcement efforts is the wide range of potential allegations—combined, of course, with the significant hazards of labs and testing firms presenting patients with erroneous test results.

The following are some examples of fraudulent practices pursued by the government’s COVID-19 testing fraud crackdown. If you have been charged with this or another type of healthcare fraud, contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles CA for help. You can reach Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088.

Improper billing

While the federal government will cover the cost of COVID-19 tests for uninsured people, not all test providers are eligible for reimbursement. Laboratories and testing companies must be registered with the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and certified to bill government healthcare benefit programs.

Billing private insurers and the government at the same time

Labs and testing facilities cannot bill both the private insurer and the government when COVID-19 testing subjects have private health insurance. During the pandemic, though, double billing has been prevalent.

Patients and third-party payors are allegedly being double-billed

Testing facilities have been accused of convincing patients that their insurance will pay their tests (which is correct), invoicing patients’ insurance companies, and then issuing bills to patients. If you are charged with or accused of this, contact a federal criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles CA with experience in federal insurance fraud cases.

Billing for non-existent patients or COVID-19 tests

To date, the majority of the government’s COVID-19 testing fraud investigations have centered on incidents involving ghost patients or COVID-19 tests that were never done.

Billing for COVID-19 tests without providing patients’ results

When labs, clinics, and other testing sites perform COVID-19 tests, they must deliver the test results to their patients. COVID-19 testing fraud is defined as a failure to do so.

Failure to label specimens and adhere to other testing procedures

Labs and other testing institutions are barred from billing the government for reimbursements if specimens are not labeled and other testing protocols are not followed. Non-compliant facilities that bill the government could face criminal charges.

Bundling COVID—19 tests with medically unnecessary testing

During the pandemic, some laboratories and laboratory owners were prosecuted for bundling COVID–19 tests with other tests that patients didn’t require. Most of the time, this bundling has included genetic testing and other types of testing that have high reimbursement rates.

Improper referral fees

Laboratories and other testing facilities are prohibited from paying or soliciting improper referral fees or other financial incentives to clinicians who recommend patients for COVID-19 testing. Other forms of shady financial dealings and marketing techniques can also result in fraud accusations.

Unfortunately, some people who are acting in good faith are being accused of COVID-19 testing fraud for simple mistakes. If you have been accused of or charged with any type of fraud related to COVID testing, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to speak to a federal criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles CA.

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