Health care fraud and abuse laws

Health care fraud and abuse enforcement actions have significantly expanded in number and scope during the past several years. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General named review of in-office pathology services a critical priority in its 2005 Work Plan. As providers of pathology and laboratory medicine services, pathologists need to be aware of the potential impact of these laws on their practices.

To review the major statutes and regulations underlying most federal investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud, with a special emphasis on their relationships to pathology practice.

The authors reviewed pertinent federal statutes, regulations, and other documents, along with relevant legal literature.

The health care fraud and abuse laws are complicated and potentially impact pathology practice in unforeseen ways.

The health care fraud and abuse laws are complex and often counterintuitive. The penalties for violation of these laws are severe. Because they may impact many areas of pathology and laboratory medicine practice, pathologists are advised to consult experienced legal counsel prior to embarking on potentially suspect health care arrangements.