Healthcare Fraud and What to do about it - Atriummednyc

Healthcare Fraud and What to do about it

Healthcare Fraud and What to do about it

Most medical providers are honest and work hard to improve their patients’ health. Unfortunately, a few want to illegally line their own pockets instead.

Health care fraud costs Americans billions of dollars each year. Health-care fraud is not a “victimless” crime. Insurers pass along the increased costs to all patients through higher premiums. That makes medical care less affordable for those who truly need it.

Dishonest medical providers may bill health insurers for expensive treatments, tests or equipment you never received – and for illnesses or injuries you don’t even have. You might receive dangerous and even life-threatening treatment or testing that was not medically justified, all under the guise of “prevention” or “preemption”.

What can you do to protect yourself?

1. Do your research online before you choose or visit a provider.
2. Be alert and look out for such behaviors during your appointment.
3. Ask questions when you are at the medical office. Why is a test or procedure being recommended or performed?
4. Ask to see your patient records… they belong to you!

If you believe you have witnessed or experienced healthcare fraud, it is incumbent upon you to report it. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Call your insurance company immediately if you suspect you may be a victim of health insurance fraud. Here is a list of contact numbers for most common commercial insurance companies:

http://www.nhcaa.org/resources/health-care-anti-fraud-resources/private-health-care-fraud-contacts.aspx

2. Contact your State Insurance Fraud Bureau:

Frank Orlando
Director
New York Insurance Frauds Bureau
Criminal Investigations Unit
1 State St. 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10004
To report fraud: 1-888-FRAUDNY
3. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
4. File a complaint with the State Medical Board.
Paula M. Breen
Director
Riverview Center
150 Broadway, Suite 355
Albany, NY 12204
Phone (518) 402-0855
Together, we can bring to book a few bad apples that taint the nobility of the entire medical profession!

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RAPID COVID-19 TESTING – Atriummednyc
December 30, 2020

[…] Please note that some Medical Offices in Manhattan are double billing patients for these tests and/or charging steep upfront out-of-pocket fees. If you believe you have encountered any unethical medical practices, you should report them to the authorities […]

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