healthcare professional defense

Trends in Healthcare Fraud Enforcement

Published on: July 9, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The DOJ boasted their record-breaking 2025 healthcare fraud take down in a recent press release that we discussed more generally in another blog post. This post focuses on some of the specific actions taken by the government and highlights the trends across enforcement.

DME Fraud

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud remains a cornerstone of federal enforcement as seen in the recent takedown. An indictment in the Western District of New York charges a medical doctor with billing roughly $29.6 million for fictious DME and $5.6 million for audio-only telehealth visits, which were brief or never occurred. That doctor produced and maintained false and fictitious medical records and fraudulently certified orders for braces without regard to medical necessity. The doctor now faces federal criminal charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and false statements relating to health care matters.

Largest U.S. Health Care Fraud Takedown: 324 Charged, $14.6 B Alleged Loss

Published on: July 1, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

On June 30, 2025, the Department of Justice announced its largest-ever National Health Care Fraud Takedown, unveiling criminal charges against 324 individuals, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals across 50 federal districts and 12 state attorney general offices. The alleged schemes involved over $14.6 billion in intended losses—a record more than double the previous $6 billion takedown

The DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Unit coordinated the investigation with the help of strike forces across the nation. Key aspects of the historical take down include the following:

Enormous monetary scale: Again, the federal government alleges $14.6 billion in intended losses in total across the criminal cases. Law enforcement has already seized $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and assets from alleged fraudsters. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also proactively prevented $4 billion in fraudulent payments, suspended billing privileges of 205 providers.

Professional License Defense – Physical Therapists

Published on: June 28, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Conaway & Strickler, PC handles assisting clients who face issues with the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

We have handled many licensing issues including: (but NOT limited to)

-If you have been arrested for a DUI or any type of illegal substance, the Board will want to know. It is always a good idea to have an attorney assist you in notifying the Board and keeping them abreast of your criminal case and dealing with resolving any issues with the Board caused by the arrest

Nursing License Defense FAQs

Published on: October 25, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

As a nurse, your license is one of your most valuable assets. Yet, complaints or accusations against you could jeopardize your ability to practice. At Conaway & Strickler, P.C., we understand the gravity of these situations and are here to help. Attorney Meg Strickler is experienced license defense attorney who has handled these issues for years. Below are some questions and answers that will help you navigate any issues you might having with the Nursing Board.

Question: What types of issues come before the State of Georgia Nursing Board?

Answer: Below are some common issues the Board handles. Many of these issues may overlap, as most of this conduct also constitutes a crime.

Professional License Defense – Are you a physician with a problem with the Board?

Published on: September 9, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The Georgia Composite Medical Board is the state organization that monitors physicians and other medical professionals through its licensing and disciplinary policies. The purpose of the Board is to safeguard public health by ensuring proper licensing procedures and regulating healthcare professionals.

Who makes up the Composite Board? The Board is made up of fifteen members appointed by the Governor. Thirteen of those members are physicians, and two of those members are public representatives who have no ties to medicine. Each Board member typically serves a four-year term.

What does the Board do? The Board’s functions include screening candidates for licensure, issuing licenses to qualified professionals, developing rules and guidelines for healthcare practice, and disciplining licensees when necessary. In Georgia, the Composite Board licenses and monitors healthcare professionals including the following: Medical doctors (MDs), Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), Physician assistants (PAs), Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), Acupuncturists, and pain management clinics. However, the Composite Board does not license or regulate podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, physical therapists, registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses – those professions are regulated by the Office of the Secretary of State.