Pittsburgh Medicare Fraud Lawyer

Medicare Fraud Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Medicare fraud is not a simple matter. Depending on how many people are affected, how many providers are involved, the scope of the alleged scheme, and how many government agencies are investigating the case, matters can become complex very quickly. When the weight of that scrutiny becomes overwhelming, working with a Pittsburgh Medicare fraud lawyer can provide direction and stability at a critical moment.

What may begin as a focused inquiry can expand into an intense and far-reaching investigation, placing significant strain on anyone involved.

Hire a Medicare Fraud Lawyer Who Understands You

Ryan R. Smith Law Offices takes a different approach to criminal defense. Our Pittsburgh Medicare fraud attorney takes the steps necessary to truly get to know clients. By becoming familiar with our clients on a personal level through empathy and understanding, we can tailor our services to provide sound counsel suited to each client’s individual needs. We don’t want to offer you a generic criminal defense strategy—we want to hear your story to provide ideal advocacy for you.

Why Get a Pittsburgh Medicare Fraud Lawyer?

If you’re involved in a Medicare fraud case, one of the most important things you can do is hire a Medicare fraud lawyer. Medicare fraud cases can be vastly complex and involve multiple federal agencies and investigative bodies. Without a qualified attorney to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf, it can be a rather formidable experience. You need someone on your side who has a deep understanding of Medicare fraud laws.

Below is a list of potential ways in which a Pittsburgh Medicare fraud attorney can help strengthen your case:

• Early intervention. Without an attorney, it could be difficult to know just how complicated an investigation is. An attorney can communicate with investigators and learn whether audits, subpoenas, or other evidence exist against their client. By allowing a Medicare fraud attorney to advocate on one’s behalf, one can avoid making statements that could be potentially misinterpreted.
  
  Essentially, an attorney can control the interaction between their client and investigators and prosecutors to protect the rights of their client.
• Case evidence analysis. A Medicare fraud lawyer can analyze federal agency evidence, such as statistical analysis, billing data, and/or audits, to understand the implications of the evidence. By reviewing records and claims information, an attorney can identify misinterpretations of data or locate errors. They can pinpoint any areas of weakness or assumptions that prove to be an overreach in the evidence against their client.
  
  Allegations of intent should be challenged by a lawyer, since intent is a requirement of proving fraud.
• Negotiating with prosecutors and state and federal agencies. In many cases in which fraud is proven, a good attorney can effectively negotiate with prosecutors to get charges and penalties reduced. In some cases, a civil settlement may be reached in lieu of a criminal prosecution, and repayment agreements can oftentimes suffice as a penalty.
  
  It is the tactics of strategic defense and negotiation that are the most effective elements of criminal defense in the protection of a defendant’s freedoms and future.
• Providing litigation in case of a trial. Having an attorney with trial skills, like cross-examining witnesses, challenging the prosecution, and presenting evidence in support of a lack of intent, is an essential component of any successful case.
  
  The highly technical nature of the evidence that is typically presented in financial fraud cases is often complex and specific. Having an attorney who understands this is crucial.

Why Choose Us?

At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we don’t cut corners, we don’t generalize clients, and we are aggressive and progressive in fighting for the rights of those we defend. Our success rate is high for Medicare fraud cases, and we believe it is because of the personal and meticulous approach that we apply to every case we represent. Having us on your side can make a difference in your case outcome.

FAQs

​Who Investigates Medicare Fraud?​

Medicare fraud is investigated by a number of agencies. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General investigates vast healthcare fraud schemes in Pennsylvania. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, is a Medicare watchdog that has stopped $2 billion in Medicare overpayments. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s offices are also constantly investigating Medicare fraud cases.

What Evidence Is Needed to Report Medicare Fraud?​

To report Medicare fraud, substantial evidence is needed to convince government agencies that a full investigation is needed. Evidence that can satisfy this requirement might include Medicare billing statements, doctor billing receipts or statements, documentation of misrepresented services or services that were never provided, records of services, and information identifying providers.

How Long Does a Medicare Fraud Investigation Take?

A Medicare fraud investigation can take months or even years to uncover complex fraud crime rings. Many Medicare fraud operations are fairly large schemes. It takes time to gather evidence that is strong enough to prove fraudulent activity occurred beyond a shadow of a doubt. Each investigation unfolds in its own unique timeline that depends on the ease of obtaining evidence, coordination between agencies, and the layers of criminal activity involved.

How to Report Medicare Fraud in Pennsylvania?

To report Medicare fraud, you can contact several different agencies. For online Medicare fraud, use the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Form. To report a complaint regarding Medicare fraud occurring physically in Pennsylvania, not online, use the complaint form on the PA Attorney General’s website to submit your complaint directly to the Medicaid Fraud Control Section. You can also report Medicare fraud via the US DHH hotline.

Connect With an Experienced and Reputable Pittsburgh Medicare Fraud Attorney

In addition to being experienced in Medicare fraud cases and well-versed in Medicare fraud laws, we are also well respected in the Criminal Law Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. We’re no strangers to Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, where these cases are handled. If you need a Pittsburgh Medicare fraud lawyer, contact the Ryan R. Smith Law Offices to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.