Medical care is a complicated and emotional topic.You worry about your family's health, of course, but you may also have a problem with political divisions or insurance company red tape.You need to be on the lookout for medical frauds and scam, which can be anything from attempts at overcharging to bogus miracle treatments.Become an educated consumer so that you can protect yourself and your family.
Step 1: It is advisable to be extra cautious of treatments for certain conditions.
There are several recognizable categories for healthcare fraud.Most of the time, scam artists aim for the sick or vulnerable.Cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS treatments are products that you should be skeptical of.These diseases can only be treated with care.If you see a product that promises to cure cancer, it is a fraud.There are supplements.Some supplements may be effective.They aren't likely to aid in weight loss, increase muscle mass, or enhance sexual performance.There are products that promise to help you lose weight.There are drugs that promise to stop or reverse aging.Medical tests are not approved by the FDA.Cold and flu remedies.Products that promise you can avoid colds and flu are not real.There is treatment for STDs.Treatments for STDs can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.If you rely on products you find elsewhere, you will delay your own treatment and possibly infecting other people.
Step 2: Red flags should be seen.
You are correct if it seems like everything on the market is a scam.It doesn't mean you should avoid healthcare treatments.Products will often give clues that they are fraudulent.Don't buy products that claim to be miracle cures, cure-alls, or quick fixes.
Step 3: Don't accept advertisements.
The healthcare fraud industry works hard to scam you out of your hard-earned money.There are advertisements for fraudulent products in magazines and on television.You can learn how to recognize this type of advertising.The balance of scientific information and testimonials should be paid attention to.Does the advertisement focus on the research that backs up the claims, or does it feature people who have positive experiences with the product?There is a lack of the former.Both consumers and doctors offer testimony.Both groups are likely to be played by actors.Ask your doctor about the product you've seen advertised.
Step 4: Scientific research is not always legitimate.
There are a lot of fraudulent products that talk about clinical trials.Many of these trials are conducted by manufacturers, and they do not adhere to appropriate scientific rigor.Up to 40% of researchers admit to knowing about the wrong people in clinical trials.These behaviors can include faking results to make products seem more effective, or failing to follow double-blind testing practices.Misconduct.A lot of the products on the market may be dangerous.Look for the National Library of Medicine, Federal Trade Commission, and Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has lodged a complaint about a clinical trial.
Step 5: Stay up to date at the doctor's office.
Most of us turn to our doctors when we are unsure.Sometimes healthcare providers can be the ones perpetrating fraud.Being charged for a service you did not receive is a form of fraud.You are charged for a service that is more expensive than the one you received.Being charged for the same thing twice.You did not need the treatment that you were charged for.Payment is accepted from pharmaceutical companies to push their products.You are charged separately for parts of the same treatment.
Step 6: Don't accept medical advice that is questionable.
Doctors may try to convince you to get tests or treatments you don't need when they engage in fraud.The majority of healthcare professionals are trustworthy, but you need to be your own advocate.Do your own research on medical issues.It's a good idea to get a second opinion on complex surgeries.
Step 7: You can look at your medical bills in detail.
Most people don't pay much attention to medical bills, but looking at them can be your best weapon in the fight against fraudulent healthcare practices.Being a victim of healthcare fraud can be very frustrating.Common kinds of healthcare fraud are something you should be on the lookout for.If there is anything on the bill that you don't understand, or if you think you have been charged unfairly, talk to your doctor.
Step 8: You should keep a journal about healthcare.
Make a note of the treatments when you go to the doctor.You received it.When your bill arrives, you can check it against your records.
Since healthcare identity fraud is a real problem, make sure you don't share your insurance card with other people.Requests for policy numbers and other information that come through phone calls or emails should be avoided.Your ID card and policy number are similar to credit cards and bank accounts.
Step 10: There is a suspected fraud to the Food and Drug Administration.
If you see a product that falls under the jurisdiction of the local office, contact it.Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, medical equipment, radiation-emitting electronics, and beauty products are all regulated by the FDA.
Step 11: Know your legal rights.
Civil and criminal law protects you from healthcare fraud.If you think you have been a victim of fraud, you should seek legal counsel as well.The False Claims Act allows both patients and the government to file civil suits.The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act made healthcare fraud a criminal offense with fines and up to ten years in prison.Conspiracy can carry up to twenty years in prison for those accused of healthcare fraud.