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November 22, 2008 9:34:53 CST

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Medicare Fraud Runs Rampant

Posted Jun 13, 08 1:34 PM CDT in Science & Health,  Crime & Courts,  US 

(Newser) – Health care fraud is rampant, especially in South Florida and the LA area, and surprisingly easy to pull off, reports the Washington Post. The 11-digit annual price tag could be smaller if investigators focused more on the fact that Medicare, for example, is "highly vulnerable" to scam artists and less on billing irregularities and unorthodox treatments, experts say.

Authorities have moved aggressively against crooks and have seen some success, but the problem remains massive. “The sheer number of zeroes following the dollar sign is irresistible to crooks and con men,” says AG Michael Mukasey. “For every crooked company we bust, there is another one to replace it before the ink on the indictment is dry.”

Source Washington Post

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This medical clinic, located in Milpitas, California, is among those being investigated for possible Medicare fraud.   (KRT Photos)
Authorities say every time they crack a Medicare fraudster, another crops up.   (Shutterstock)
Most Medicare claims are approved essentially automatically.   (Shutterstock)
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