In what is becoming an annual tradition, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, comprised of members from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (more about which can be read here), announced the latest "unprecedented" healthcare fraud takedown. The nationwide bust netted more than 412 individuals suspected of a combined $1.3 billion worth of Medicare fraud.These individuals, including physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers, were charged with violations of the Stark and Anti-Kickbacks laws, as well as other counts related to fraudulent billing.Numerous additional individual providers, suppliers and facilities had their Medicare enrollment and/or billing privileges revoked, suspended, or terminated.

The press release announcing the takedown can be found here. Alert readers may remember a similar crackdown last summer and in preceding years.

If you have questions or require legal guidance about a Medicare/Medicaid investigation, feel free to call the experienced attorneys in our Healthcare Investigations and White-Collar Defense Practice at (212) 668-0200 or email the firm at info@mdrxlaw.com.