government
Government’s 6-month health fraud recoveries top $1.2 billion
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 18, 2012
Federal anti-health fraud efforts have resulted in estimated recoveries of more than $1.2 billion for the first half of fiscal 2012, according to a report released May 31 by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The semiannual analysis shows $748 million of the recoveries came from health fraud investigations, while $483 million stemmed from audits conducted during the last year.
The anti-fraud work so far has led to 388 criminal actions against individuals or entities involved in health care fraud and 164 civil actions, the report said. Investigations also have resulted in the exclusion of more than 1,200 people and entities from participation in federal health care programs.
The report credited Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams for contributing to the reported success. The teams, which launched in March 2007, now conduct joint operations with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in nine major cities.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/06/18/gvbf0618.htm.
