California Healthcare Lawyer for Falsifying Medical Records Defense
Medical records carry special weight in the United States. They are personal documents that must be protected in accordance with various privacy and medical care laws. Medical records are treated as legal documents that cannot be falsified or improperly altered.
Falsifying medical records is an incredibly serious charge. A conviction for falsifying medical records can cost a medical practitioner their money, their license, their reputation, and even their freedom.
Not every charge of falsifying medical records arises from deliberate fraud aimed at collecting unwarranted charges from payers. As with other administrative matters, many “falsified” records simply result from a doctor falling behind with record keeping. Unfortunately for healthcare providers, inaccurate record-keeping may be treated as a form of fraud, punishable by civil and even criminal enforcement agencies.
If your healthcare practice is being investigated for alleged falsification of medical records, you need to act fast. Failing to respond to the allegations promptly and fully can result in heavy fines, professional sanctions, reputational damages, and even criminal prosecution.
The Law Offices of Art Kalantar and our falsifying medical records defense team are ready to help you defend your practice against allegations of falsifying medical records. Whether your records were changed due to administrative error, poor oversight, or other mistakes, you should not lose your entire career because of one mistake. We’re here to help you identify the cause of any mistakes or unusual activity in your records, respond to government audits and investigations, and fight to protect you against criminal or civil prosecution. We’ll help you protect your license, your reputation, and your livelihood.
Criminal Charges and Civil Liability for Falsifying Medical Records
California law prohibits improperly altering medical records or creating false records. In California, falsifying medical records is a crime. According to the statute: “Any person who alters or modifies the medical record of any person, with fraudulent intent, or who, with fraudulent intent, creates any false medical record, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
Falsifying medical records is also likely to lead to other charges and other forms of liability. If the altered records were used in billing a private or government payor, the medical office might be liable for various forms of healthcare fraud. The office can be charged with a False Claims Act violation or other forms of fraud. The perpetrator may even be charged with forgery, which is chargeable as a felony.
Medical offices that falsify medical records can also face civil liability from insurers, government agencies, and even patients. Patients who suffer harm because their records were altered–either from paying too much or from later medical complications due to inaccuracies in their records–could have grounds for a lawsuit.
Trusted Legal Advice and Experienced Representation for Falsifying Medical Records Defense
Errors in the medical record can happen for any number of reasons. Not every alteration of the medical record occurs because a doctor is trying to over-bill or protect against malpractice liability. Often, it’s an innocent mistake caused by delayed record-keeping. You deserve a comprehensive legal defense before you are subjected to civil or criminal liability for any irregularities.
To protect your business, your finances, and, potentially, your freedom, call a zealous falsification of medical records defense lawyer. Your license, your practice, your assets, and your liberty may be at stake. The Law Offices of Art Kalantar and our falsification of medical records defense lawyer are here to provide you with experienced, effective legal advice and representation for your healthcare law matters in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
Call 310-773-0001 at any time to request a free case evaluation with the Law Offices of Art Kalantar in Beverly Hills.
