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Medicare fraud: What you need to know

By Sarah Whitmire

Last week's biggest-ever Medicare fraud bust nabbed 107 care providers, but how does this effort stack up?

Excerpts from this story referencing "Medicare fraud":

"… that directs Medicare spending in often-inefficient ways.The big story in Medicare fraud last week was an unprecedented bust of 107 doctors, nurses and social work …"

"… , as reported by the Associated Press. Though the crackdown was huge, Medicare fraud is believed to cost up to $90 billion annually, the scams associated with …"

"… 011 alone) in medical services that never happened.Places to learn more:“Medicare fraud rampant in South Florida”, by The Miami Herald, August 3, 2008“11 …"

"… th Florida”, by The Miami Herald, August 3, 2008“111 charged with Medicare fraud in 9 cities” by The Washington Times, February 17, 2011“Feds Figh …"

HHS IG report highlights docs' questionable billing of Medicare

By Fred Schulte

HHS IG report says thousand of doctors billing feds at rates beyond the norm

How doctors and hospitals have collected billions in questionable Medicare fees

By Fred Schulte and David Donald

Center investigation suggests cost from upcoding and other abuses likely tops $11 billion.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Medicare fraud":

"… Obama administration has made a significant commitment to cracking down on Medicare fraud and abuse, officials don’t appear to have an aggressive strategy for cut …"

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Judgment calls on billing make 'upcoding' prosecutions rare

By Fred Schulte

Authorities typically settle, and doctors often continue treating Medicare patients

Billing complexity spawns new industry

By Fred Schulte

Thousands now employed as professional coders, but oversight is lacking.

Hospitals grab at least $1 billion in extra fees for emergency room visits

By Joe Eaton and David Donald

Center probe suggests facilities have taken advantage of government’s failure to set billing standards.
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OPINION: Center series demonstrates dangers of 'captured' regulators

By Wendell Potter

Center series demonstrates dangers of special interest influence

IMPACT: Cabinet officials signal crackdown on Medicare billing abuse

By Fred Schulte and Joe Eaton

Sebelius, Holder signal new scrutiny in wake of Center series

Excerpts from this story referencing "Kathleen Sebelius":

"… costly services than they deliver.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder notified five medical groups of their int …"

Top House Republicans demand suspension of electronic medical records program

By Fred Schulte

Top House Republicans want program suspended until government demands that systems communicate

IMPACT: Administration official asks for Medicare billing review

By Fred Schulte

Administration official wants to know if electronic health records are causing Medicare over-billing

Excerpts from this story referencing "Kathleen Sebelius":

"… ”In a Sept. 24 letter, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder warned five hospital and medical groups o …"

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