The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Massachusetts charged four individuals on February 4th in connection with a healthcare fraud scheme. According to the indictment, from October 2018 through June 2020 four individuals who all worked for Brighton Physical Therapy were billing insurance companies for services that were not provided or unnecessary. The scheme targeted billing an insurance provider for automobile accident injuries when the services were, in fact, not provided. The individuals charged were also allegedly receiving kickbacks from attorneys helping with the patient’s insurance settlements.
Each of the four defendants has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, eight counts of mail fraud, and one count of healthcare fraud. The defendants could face significant prison time, as a charge of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud allows for a sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mail fraud also allow for 20-year sentences. Meanwhile the allegations by the Massachusetts Attorneys Office have not been brought to conclusion. Healthcare fraud is a high priority for the Department of Justice (DOJ), evident in the fact that throughout 2020 the DOJ recovered over $2.2 Billion from False Claims Act cases alone.
Due to the risk of long-term sentences and possibilities of hefty penalties, retaining an attorney with ample knowledge and experience in Healthcare fraud is paramount. To speak with an attorney with years of experience in healthcare fraud-related cases call Padula Law Firm at (305) 455-5206.
