Do I Need a Healthcare Whistleblower Attorney?
Hiring a healthcare whistleblower attorney has many benefits. A healthcare whistleblower is an individual who reports evidence or a reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing in the healthcare industry. An employee of the healthcare industry can be a whistleblower. Whether you are an insider or outspoken critic, you can take legal action. The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) protects employees who report threats to public safety or health. In New York, an employee can make a disclosure about a policy or practice to their supervisor or to a public body. The belief of the employee must be reasonable.
The first benefit of hiring a healthcare whistleblower is the protection that the law provides. If you report healthcare fraud, your employer is required to stop. You could be held responsible for any damages or injuries you sustained, as well as for the health and safety of the public. It is important to hire a qualified healthcare whistleblower attorney to represent you in this matter. It will also ensure your confidentiality. Keep in mind that your privacy is guaranteed.
The healthcare whistleblower's role is to expose fraudulent practices by healthcare entities. For example, the whistleblower reports that fraudulent prescription drug marketing schemes are taking place. Other examples are false risk adjustment claims, wherein the health provider exaggerates the condition of a patient to gain favorable reimbursement. Healthcare fraud also includes billing for services not rendered or that were unnecessary. These whistleblowers generally report some type of upcoding.
Although it is not essential to retain a whistleblower attorney in healthcare, it is a smart idea. Hiring an attorney has many benefits. The attorneys at Nolan, Auerbach & White have recovered more than $2 billion in damages from healthcare providers. These attorneys can also help you avoid expensive Qui Tam lawsuits, and establish effective internal monitoring processes. While healthcare whistleblowers often reap substantial rewards, there are always risks.
You can file a qui-tam lawsuit against a healthcare provider if you have information about them. The False Claims Act protects the federal government, and gives individuals the right to collect rewards. When this happens, the government is protected and the employees involved are protected. The total damages are compensated between 15% and 25%. A qui tam case can have significant benefits.
In addition to federal and state laws, healthcare whistleblowers are also protected under New York state law. The Stark Law prohibits doctors from self-referring patients to their relatives and business companies. This type of practice typically involves supply, diagnostic, or therapeutic services. This means that any healthcare provider can be held accountable for the illegal activity. Patients who refuse to cooperate are also protected by the statute.
Khurana Law Firm, P.C. | Medicaid and Medicare Whistleblower Attorney
116 W 23rd St 5th floor, New York, NY 10011, United States
(212) 847 0145