Monthly Archives: March 2025
From Investigation To Indictment: How Prosecutors Build Cases Against Phantom Billing Fraud
Phantom billing fraud is a serious white-collar crime that occurs when healthcare providers bill insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, for medical equipment or supplies that were never delivered to patients. This fraudulent practice not only leads to financial losses for government healthcare programs but also undermines trust in the medical profession. Florida durable… Read More »
Legal Homicide Under Florida Law: When Killing Is Justified
Homicide, the act of one person causing the death of another, is generally considered a serious criminal offense. However, under Florida law, not all homicides are unlawful. Some killings are legally justified under specific circumstances, meaning the person who caused the death may not face criminal liability. Understanding the legal grounds for justifiable homicide… Read More »
How Social Media Can Affect Your Medical License: Ethical And Legal Considerations
Social media has become an essential part of everyday life, allowing professionals, including doctors, to connect with colleagues, patients, and the public. However, for medical professionals, the use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), TikTok, and LinkedIn can present serious legal and ethical risks. A single post, comment, or even a private message… Read More »
Proving Intent In White-Collar Crimes: Challenges For Prosecutors And Defendants
White-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering, are unique in criminal law because they often involve complex financial transactions rather than direct physical harm. A central element of these crimes is intent—prosecutors must prove that the defendant knowingly engaged in deceptive or illegal conduct. Unlike violent or property crimes, where… Read More »
Unbundling And The Anti-Kickback Statute: Are You At Risk Of Violations?
Understanding Unbundling in Medical Billing Unbundling refers to the practice of separately billing for procedures that should be covered under a single comprehensive code. This practice increases reimbursement by breaking down services into individual components rather than charging a single, inclusive rate. While unbundling can sometimes be the result of legitimate coding errors, it… Read More »
The Standard Of Review In Criminal Appeals: How Courts Evaluate Errors
When a criminal conviction is appealed, the appellate court does not conduct a new trial or reweigh the evidence. Instead, it reviews the trial court’s proceedings for legal errors that may have affected the outcome. The framework for this review is known as the standard of review, which dictates how much deference the appellate… Read More »
Upcoding Vs. Billing Errors: When Does A Mistake Become A Crime?
Medical billing is a complex process that requires precision, compliance with federal and state regulations, and adherence to ethical standards. While billing mistakes can occur due to clerical errors or coding misunderstandings, upcoding—the act of billing for more expensive services or procedures than what was actually performed—can lead to criminal charges and severe penalties…. Read More »
The Role Of Due Process In Medical License Defense: What Physicians Need To Know
For physicians, maintaining a valid medical license is essential to practicing medicine. However, allegations of misconduct, malpractice, or regulatory violations can place a doctor’s career in jeopardy. When a physician’s license is at risk, due process plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just legal proceeding. Understanding the legal protections afforded to… Read More »
