DOJ Announces Enforcement Actions against Fraud Schemes Totaling $712 million

A nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force resulted in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in fraud schemes that falsely billed Medicare for approximately $712 million in total, states a June 18, 2015, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) news release. According to DOJ, the accused are charged with various crimes, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, violations of the antikickback statutes, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, related to healthcare fraud schemes involving a range of medical treatments and services, including home care, psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment, and pharmacy. "This action represents the largest criminal health care fraud takedown in the history of the Department of Justice, and it adds to an already remarkable record of enforcement," states Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in the news release.