Orlando Compound Pharmacy Fraud Lawyer

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Many people struggle to take regularly-prescribed medications. As medical providers strive to provide a higher level of care for these patients, the number of compound pharmacies has risen to meet their needs. Compound pharmacies provide an important service to help patients take medications safely. From reducing the dose of common drugs to meet the needs of children to providing alternatives for those who struggle with oral medications, compound pharmacists conduct a valuable service.

Unfortunately, as more people seek the accommodations compound pharmacies provide, so does the potential for fraudulent activity increase. U.S. Attorneys have been cracking down on fraud that takes place in compound pharmacies, which has placed compound pharmacists and others under the scrutiny of federal authorities.

Fraud is a serious concern which should be immediately addressed by an Orlando compound pharmacy fraud lawyer. Anyone who works in healthcare should contact an experienced attorney the moment he or she is under investigation in relation to a healthcare fraud case. At The Umansky Law Firm, we have decades of experience challenging fraud charges.

What is Compound Pharmacy Fraud?

The circumstances that lead to a healthcare fraud investigation can also instigate investigations at compound pharmacies. Some fraudulent actions that occur at compound pharmacies are unique to them. The federal government may investigate pharmacists, pharmacy owners, and others for:

  • Falsified records
  • Kickbacks
  • Overbilling
  • Automatic and ongoing refills
  • Manufacturing compound drugs that are identical to commercially-available medications
  • Charging for unnecessary ingredients in a compound formulation

Compound pharmacies have the distinct ability to charge for individual ingredients used in the custom medications they provide patients. The fact that they can bill for each substance used in a formula means that there have been instances of pharmacies adding unnecessary ingredients to custom recipes to charge more for them. The government will often allege in a fraud investigation that the ingredients added to the compound in question were not medically necessary.

Who Investigates Compound Pharmacy Fraud?

Several government agencies work together to combat fraud against the U.S. government. Primarily, the following agencies participate in pharmacy fraud investigations:

  • The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
  • The Department for Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • The Department of Labor (DOL)
  • The Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Who May Be Investigated for Pharmacy Fraud?

Compound pharmacy fraud often involves multiple members of a pharmaceutical company. Federal statutes apply to individuals and businesses that directly or indirectly obtain payment for services from the federal government. Major players in a compound pharmacy fraud investigation could involve:

  • Business owners
  • CEOs, COOs, and CFOs
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician referrals
  • Physician owners
  • Employees and marketers

If you are in any way linked to an investigation, contact a federal defense lawyer today.

Penalties for Compound Pharmacy Fraud in Orlando

The federal government may decide to impose civil penalties or prosecute and indict the parties responsible for compound pharmacy fraud in federal court.

Criminal penalties for healthcare fraud may include:

  • Up to 10 years in federal prison
  • Up to 20 years in federal prison if fraud resulted in serious bodily harm
  • Life in prison if fraud resulted in death

Significant monetary fines in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars are also possible.

Retain an Orlando Compound Pharmacy Fraud Attorney

Compound pharmacy fraud is a severe federal offense that can completely disrupt your future should you be implicated in the crime. At the Umansky Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing second chances to those accused of criminal offenses of any level. Without strong representation against federal charges, you could lose your business in pharmaceuticals and can even lose your license to practice as a pharmacist or other healthcare provider.

Our Orlando compound pharmacy fraud defense lawyers have ample experience fighting charges in federal court. Together, we have over 100 years of experience which we will put to work for you by researching all the elements of the investigation, uncovering all the most favorable evidence to your case, and working on the best defense strategies available.

Call to get started on a free consultation or contact us online. We’re available around-the-clock to answer your questions.

Get In Touch With Us Today

    Orlando Compound Pharmacy Fraud Lawyer
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    44.213.80.174