Healthcare provider fraud is more common than we would like to believe. According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, at least 3% of annual health care spending is lost to healthcare frauds. It might not seem like such a high percentage but given that the federal government spends trillions on health care annually, fraudulent activities in this industry can result in losses of billions of dollars every year.
The largest healthcare fraud scheme in the US history resulted in 400 defendants in 41 federal districts charged for fraudulent activities amounting to $1.3 billion, according to HHS and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Fraudulent activities by providers usually involve forgery, bribes, falsified billings and fake patients to profit from public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and increase the size of their bank accounts.
Most medical providers are honest, decent and law-abiding citizens, dedicated to their jobs and their patients. However, every barrel has a rotten apple…or more. To make sure you don’t become of victim of crooked medical providers and their fraud schemes, check out the most common types of healthcare provider fraud activities and what to do if you spot any irregularities.
Also, check out these 10 Dental Scams Dentists Don’t Want You to Know About.
