Atlanta doctor charged with health care fraud in alleged false claims scheme
An Atlanta, Georgia doctor was arraigned in federal court on Friday for allegedly billing false claims. He has been charged with committing wire fraud, mail fraud, health care fraud and obstruction of justice. If convicted, the doctor faces a possible 20 year prison sentence.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution has the story.
Prosecutors say that Dr. Rajashakher P. Reddy, 39, committed the fraud through his company, RSI, Inc., by submitting thousands of patient reports without ever reviewing x-rays and other similar film. Reddy’s company supplied radiologist services to hospitals throughout the southeast that do not provide full-time radiology services.
Mail fraud and wire fraud both carry a possible sentence of up to 20 years. Each offense also carries with it a fine of up to $250,000.
Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully represented several health care professionals who have been charged with crimes such as wire fraud and mail fraud. While there are many ways to defend against wire fraud charges and protect a doctor’s good name, one of the strongest defenses is good faith. It is important to remember that the government carries the burden of showing that the defendant knowingly participated in the fraud. If a defendant can show that he believed his actions were made in good faith, and that there was no intent to commit any fraud or other unlawful acts, there can generally be no conviction. Good faith can be shown through industry standards, cooperating with law enforcement, promptly acting to fix complaints and consulting with an attorney.
Pate & Brody is an accomplished Georgia law firm with offices in Atlanta, Macon and Madison. Our lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for people charged with serious crimes. We have successfully represented clients facing serious federal criminal charges and state criminal charges in courts across Georgia. Our lawyers have been recognized on the list of Georgia's "Super Lawyers", and included among Georgia's "Legal Elite" by Georgia Trend Magazine. Page Pate was recently the Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.
