Imagine getting into an accident, pulling over and going through all the motions of exchanging information, only to find out that the information given was false. Though this is only a minor example, unfortunately, false claim violations occur frequently. Even much so that there is a Liability Act against it on a larger scale.
Basically, a false claim is when a defendant knowingly provides false information which causes a false claim to be presented, or when there is a group with the agenda of violating this liability act.
False billing is a major way that many people become victims of false claiming. This occurs often in the medical field because we rely on professionals to tell us what’s wrong and how much they charge. Without having extensive knowledge of what these procedures entail, physicians may easily get over on a patient by providing a higher diagnosis level than may have been necessary, duplicate billing, and even billing for services that were never rendered.
Another way a false claim may come about is if your physician changes any information on record to meet the qualifications of a certain procedure. This could include having someone sign a signature on their behalf, changing dates to fit the fee schedule of certain insurance policies, or even altering any documentation after the patient has been released.
No matter how these false claims arise, it’s always a great idea to protect yourself. Having detailed prior knowledge of your procedure before presenting to the physicians is a great preventative measure you could take. Also, you may become familiar with your insurance policy and understand the types of procedures that are covered and exactly how much this procedure will cost. I know in the heat of a medical crisis, protecting your rights may be difficult. You may want to consider always having a trusted person to accompany you, or to be contacted in case you are incoherent and are not able to understand the procedures that the physicians may order for you at that time. Also, there are lawyers who specialize in protecting patients from these violations of false claim act.
Should you or someone you know be a victim of false claims, speak with a skilled criminal lawyer in Decatur, GA for assistance in fighting the charges and holding the right individual accountable.
Thanks to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into criminal law and false claims.
