Bogus DME dealers accused of healthcare fraud
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Eight individuals are charged in Miami federal court with forming bogus durable medical equipment companies and knowingly billing Medicare for services and products which were not provided. The charges stem from a two-and-a-half year investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, FBI healthcare fraud squad and the IRS. A maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to twice the amount defrauded from Medicare may apply. DME includes devices such as wheelchairs, for which a targeted anti-fraud campaign was launched by CMS and OIG Sept. 9 (1"The Gray Sheet" Sept. 15, 2003, p. 4)...