When does a healthcare billing, compliance, referral, or business problem become a potential criminal matter?
Chicago federal criminal defense attorney Vadim Glozman joins the Healthcare Consultants Podcast to discuss criminal investigations involving physicians, healthcare providers, practice owners, and other licensed professionals.Healthcare professionals work in one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country. Billing decisions, medical necessity, documentation, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, referral relationships, and compensation arrangements can all receive scrutiny from regulators and law enforcement. When questions move beyond routine compliance and into potential fraud, kickbacks, or other criminal allegations, knowing when to involve experienced criminal defense counsel can become critical.
Glozman discusses federal healthcare fraud investigations involving allegations that services were not performed, were medically unnecessary, or were improperly billed. The conversation also examines the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and the potential risks surrounding certain referral, compensation, and healthcare business relationships.
One of the most important issues for healthcare professionals is recognizing an investigation early. A subpoena, request for records, contact from investigators, questions involving billing practices, or indications that employees or business associates are being interviewed can signal that a matter deserves immediate legal attention.
The discussion also addresses a common instinct among physicians and other professionals: believing that because they have done nothing intentionally wrong, they should simply explain the situation themselves. In a criminal investigation, statements and decisions made early in the process can significantly affect what happens later.
Vadim Glozman explains the value of involving criminal defense counsel before charges are filed and why early representation can be particularly important in complex federal investigations.For licensed healthcare professionals, the consequences can extend well beyond the criminal case. An investigation or criminal charge may also affect professional licensing, credentialing, reputation, the operation of a medical practice, and a healthcare professional's ability to continue working.
Healthcare and professional licensing attorney Michael V. Favia brings the licensing perspective to the table. Favia's background includes serving as Chief of Medical and Health-Related Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, now the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
The episode highlights why criminal defense and professional licensing counsel may need to coordinate when a physician, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, practice owner, or other licensed professional faces potential criminal and regulatory exposure.
TOPICS DISCUSSED- Federal healthcare fraud investigations
- Criminal defense for physicians and healthcare professionals
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud allegations
- Medical necessity and billing investigations
- Federal Anti-Kickback Statute issues
- Subpoenas and federal investigations
- When to contact a criminal defense attorney
- Professional licensing consequences of criminal investigations
- IDFPR licensing and disciplinary issues
- Protecting a healthcare professional's career and reputation