At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, we know how important whistleblowers are in maintaining a sense of integrity at various types of businesses. Fraud in the healthcare, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical industry is vast and contributes to rising healthcare costs. Our Pittsburgh, PA medical whistleblower lawyer has seen how medical facilities may engage in unlawful behavior. Whistleblowers are everyday people who want to bring to light injustices. Contact us today if you are a whistleblower who needs protection.
What Medical Fraud Looks Like
Healthcare fraud comes in many forms and can be committed by doctors, clinics, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, labs, managed care organizations, and others. These cases can be impactful as they correct fraud that can put patients at unnecessary risk. Bringing to light wrongdoing is a courageous act that can come with rewards.
Whistleblowers can receive a percentage of what the government is able to recover as a result of their information. Depending on the facts of the case, the whistleblower can be entitled to 15%-30% of the government’s recovery. Our medical whistleblower attorney knows that if you are considering blowing the whistle on fraud, you may be worried about how to protect yourself. You can trust our medical whistleblower attorney to advocate for your best interests and your protection.
Why Experience Matters In Whistleblower Cases
Whistleblower cases can be complex, as they involve fraud at an established company, business, or organization. You need a legal team that is experienced in handling these types of cases. Our Pittsburgh medical whistleblower lawyer is qualified to assist you for the following reasons:
- Founding Attorney Darth M. Newman is a skilled trial attorney and mediator with more than 10 years of litigation experience.
- He has tried fraud, shareholder disputes, insider dealing, and fiduciary matters worth millions of dollars.
- He is dedicated to shedding light on fraud against the government.
- Attorney Newman has been recognized by his peers and clients for being a notable and ethical lawyer.
If you are facing a whistleblower matter and are considering reporting the fraud, we urge you to obtain legal representation immediately. This is not a situation that you should be handling alone. Our Pittsburgh medical whistleblower lawyer is ready to assist you. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, you can depend on us to be the support you need as your case is handled. We hope to speak with you today.
Pharmaceutical companies that engage in fraud can and should be held accountable for the harm that cutting corners causes to patient safety. Virtually all players in the pharmaceutical industry are in a position to engage in deceptive business practices or other types of pharmaceutical fraud, from pharmacy benefit managers to pharmacists. Our Pittsburgh, PA pharmaceutical whistleblower lawyer helps you determine whether you should come forward, explains what to expect after speaking up, and guides you through filing a whistleblower claim. Call the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman today for a consultation.
Pharmaceutical Whistleblower Lawyer Pittsburgh, PA
Whistleblowers like you play a vital role in preserving the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry. Although there are federal oversight agencies, like the HHS, that investigate pharmaceutical fraud, these agencies cannot investigate and stop fraud if they don’t know it’s happening. That’s where people like you come in. As a witness to fraud or failure to follow federal guidelines for safety, you’re the “boots on the ground” to reduce waste and taxpayer money.
Pharmaceutical fraud encompasses a wide range of activities and can occur at any stage where prescription medications are involved. Fraud can originate with the manufacturer, including failure to comply with safety and testing regulations, and extend all the way to the local pharmacy. We regularly handle Medicare and Medicaid fraud. If you suspect your employer or pharmaceutical representative is involved in a “kickback” scheme, it’s important to speak up at once. We can advise you about what you can and cannot do to collect evidence, so you don’t end up jeopardizing your claim or ending up in legal trouble. It is important to properly preserve as much documentation and evidence as you can.
If you believe you have information about any form of pharmaceutical fraud, talk to our Pittsburgh pharmaceutical whistleblower lawyer. As a whistleblower, you’re protected from employer retaliation. As your legal representative, we help ensure that your rights are protected after you disclose what you have observed.
Legal Experience Matters In Whistleblower Claims
Pharmaceutical whistleblower cases involve complex legal concepts and powerful defendants. Not every law firm is equipped to see your case through to a positive conclusion—but we are. Our Pittsburgh pharmaceutical whistleblower lawyer protects you from retaliation and guides you through the legal process. We have successfully handled whistleblower cases against some of the most powerful defendants in the country.
- Firm founder Darth M. Newman was named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers List
- We’re local! Our firm is a proud member of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
- Gold rating on Martindale-Hubbard, peer-honored for our demonstrated client advocacy
For advice or help in reaching a decision about coming forward to report pharmaceutical fraud or abuse, contact the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman today for a consultation.
Types Of Medical Fraud Cases We Handle
If you work in healthcare and have seen illegal or unethical billing practices, you may be considering whether you should report what you have seen. Our Pittsburgh, PA medical whistleblower lawyer knows that medical billing fraud not only costs billions of dollars every year, but it can put patients at risk. Though you may feel you are in a scary position, coming forward can result in meaningful change and the law offers protection from retaliation. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, our team works with medical whistleblowers–whether you are a staff member, a nurse, a physician, or an administrator–and we can help you stand against fraud. We have won millions for our clients and are prepared to help you. Don’t hesitate to call today.
Upcoding
Upcoding happens when medical providers intentionally use the wrong CPT code(s) to bill for medical services, thereby obtaining payment for more complex and expensive procedures than what they performed. For example, a basic exam may be coded as a more comprehensive consultation, or a minor procedure may be miscoded as a more complex procedure. If you are aware of upcoding, contact our Pittsburgh medical whistleblower lawyer to determine if you have a False Claims Act case.
Unbundling
Unbundling occurs when a provider separates a bundled procedure into its component parts and bills each portion separately. Doing this can generate higher reimbursements. Unbundled procedures tend to appear on bills as multiple charges for something that should be a single service.
Billing For Services Not Provided
Billing for services that were not provided is medical fraud. Bills for fake appointments, exams that never happened, and treatment that was not provided are all examples of this scheme. If you have seen this kind of fictitious billing, reach out today.
Performing Unnecessary Services
Performing excess services that are not medically necessary is also medical fraud. Tests that do not match the patient’s symptoms, repeat exams or office visits without a medical justification, and therapeutic procedures that do not match diagnoses can all be indicators of unnecessary services fraud.
Referral Or Kickback Fraud
Improper payments in exchange for medical referrals are generally prohibited. Payments can come in many different flavors, from straight cash to sweetheart lease deals and everything in between. Medical bills that result from kickbacks are false claims.
Misrepresenting Non-Covered Services
Re-coding procedures to gain insurance coverage for non-covered care is fraud. Frequent changes, suspect diagnoses, and codes that do not seem to match what happened in the office are all potential indicators of this type of false claim.
If you have witnessed any of the actions listed above and feel compelled to come forward, you should not report these actions on your own. At the Law Offices of Darth M. Newman, we are ready to represent you in your medical whistleblower case. Attorney Darth M. Newman was honored with the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 award, recognizing his performance and dedication to each of his clients. Reach out to our trusted Pittsburgh medical whistleblower lawyer for help today.
