Most people are aware that altering prescriptions is a clear form of fraud, but there are many other ways prescription drug fraud can occur. For example, stealing prescriptions pads, falsifying records or phantom prescriptions are also forms of healthcare fraud. Let us examine the different types of prescription drug violations.
Doctor shopping
Doctor shopping is a deceptive practice where an individual visits multiple doctors to obtain several prescriptions for controlled substances or medications without the doctors’ knowledge of the other prescriptions. This method is often used to acquire large quantities of drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or other habit-forming medications, for misuse, abuse, or illegal distribution.
Drug diversion
Redirecting prescribed medications for illegal distribution or sale. Drug diversion contributes to the illegal drug market, poses significant public health risks and can result in criminal charges for those involved.
Over-prescribing
This occurs when healthcare providers prescribe medications in quantities or dosages that are not medically necessary for the patient’s condition. Over-prescribing can lead to drug abuse, addiction, and adverse health effects. It also contributes to the rising costs of healthcare.
Stealing prescription pads
Stealing prescription pads constitutes a serious form of fraud. This crime involves taking prescription pads, often from medical professionals, to forge and obtain medications without proper authorization.
Phantom prescriptions
Phantom prescriptions occur when pharmacies or healthcare providers bill insurance companies or government programs for prescriptions never prescribed or dispensed. These prescriptions can lead to significant financial losses for insurance companies and government programs and erode trust in the healthcare system.
Prescription forgery
This involves creating or altering prescriptions without authorization to obtain medications illegally. Prescription forgery can lead to the misuse of medications, particularly controlled substances, and can result in legal penalties for the involved parties.
Upcoding
Billing for a more expensive drug than the one prescribed or dispensed. Upcoding increases healthcare costs and constitutes financial fraud, which can lead to legal repercussions for the offending provider or pharmacy.
Kickbacks and bribery
This involves receiving compensation for prescribing certain medications or directing patients to specific pharmacies. Kickbacks and bribery can compromise medical judgment, leading to inappropriate prescribing practices and undermining patient care.
Falsifying records
Altering patient records to justify unnecessary prescriptions. Falsifying records can lead to improper medication use and legal action against healthcare providers.
Engaging in prescription drug fraud can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of medical licenses. Doctors, medical staff, providers, or other individuals charged in Florida with healthcare fraud should seek legal advice to receive guidance and defense through the legal process.
Prescription drug fraud is a multifaceted issue that encompasses various practices. From doctor shopping to over-prescribing, these fraudulent activities can lead to widespread misuse of medications, increased healthcare costs and severe legal consequences for those involved.