Something those of us who are learning to become leaders in
the healthcare industry are being taught is that we have to keep our eyes out
for those who might be taking advantage of the system. Many of my posts have
been about the significant costs of healthcare, totaling hundreds of millions
of dollars on an annual basis.
We have also discussed the causes of this cost,
and why it continues to increase. But every once in a while, we are reminded
about one of the causes of rising healthcare costs, and it may not be what you
think.
Today it is being reported that one of the biggest scams in
healthcare history is coming to a verdict.
"Between 2006 and 2012, federal law
enforcement authorities allege more than 230 Dallas-area home health care
agencies funneled patients to an Arlington physician, Joseph Megwa to approve
$100.5 million in care they did not need. The owner of the largest home care
agency in the case, Nigerian-American Ferguson Ikhile of Irving, has pleaded
guilty."
In a separate case, more than 500 home health agencies were
accused of sending their patients for unnecessary care to a man, who gave 347
million dollars worth of unnecessary treatments. In both cases it was reported
that most of the elderly patients who participated in the schemes did not even know
what was going on.
With this information, it’s important to realize that most
individuals just simply don’t understand all the healthcare jargon like those
of us training to become healthcare administrators. It’s always a good idea to
take a step back and remember the entire scope of our responsibility going
forward.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:
Do you think there is enough health policy preventing healthcare fraud? How would you feel if your elderly loved one had been taken advantage of? Who do you think is the biggest victim in these types of fraudulent cases?
Special thank you to Baylor University Healthcare MBA program for the education to encourage honest, efficient healthcare policy and leadership.
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