A nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force resulted in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 physicians, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings, according to the Department of Justice.
The nationwide takedown is the largest one ever coordinated by the Strike Force in terms of number of people charged and the loss amount.
The defendants are charged with various crimes, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.
"This action represents the largest criminal healthcare fraud takedown in the history of the Department of Justice, and it adds to an already remarkable record of enforcement," said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch.
More articles on healthcare fraud:
Nursing home to pay $17M to settle kickback allegations brought by former CFO
Vanguard Health Systems to pay $2.9M to resolve false claims, kickback allegations
OIG kickback alert focuses on physician compensation arrangements