Healthcare Fraud Defense Investigations
Healthcare fraud investigations and cases are the cornerstone of Stephen Lee Law, characterized by a systematic approach that combines journalistic inquisitiveness, meticulous legal scrutiny, and rigorous data analytics.
As a former federal prosecutor and senior counsel to the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office’s healthcare fraud unit, Stephen has extensive experience in healthcare fraud investigations. He has incorporated data analytics into numerous investigations and has been a go-to consultant for other prosecutors in this field. He led multiple cases during the Department of Justice's healthcare fraud takedowns, secured convictions in eight trials involving healthcare fraud and/or the Anti-Kickback Statute, and cross-examined defendants in five trials.
One of Stephen's notable cases was featured on CNBC’s American Greed program, and another received the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association’s 2018 SIRIS Investigation of the Year Award.
Stephen has extensively discussed strategies to deter and prevent healthcare fraud, especially in sectors like home health. He led a Medicare Special Open Door Forum titled 'Law Enforcement Observations about Home Health Fraud'’ He co-authored the article 'Reforming Home Health Coverage to Reduce Fraud' with an economist. Additionally, he has published a note in the Northwestern University Law Review on deterring healthcare fraud. Stephen is also well-versed in the operations of the Medicare Strike Forces across the country and has trained prosecutors in the Midwest Strike Force.
Stephen’s approach to handling healthcare fraud cases is comprehensive and multi-faceted:
Legal Experience. Stephen possesses an in-depth understanding of the elements required for the government to prove a conviction and the potential pitfalls in their cases. He is well-versed in critical legal issues related to the healthcare fraud statute and the Anti-Kickback Statute, particularly nuances like the requirement of "willfulness," complexities in "loss" calculations, and aspects concerning restitution and forfeiture.
Investigative and Storytelling Expertise. Recognizing that an effective defense often hinges on simplifying complex issues for laypeople, Stephen emphasizes the meticulous review of documents and data. He crafts compelling narratives that contextualize and strengthen the client’s position.
Data Analytics. Stephen leverages data analytics to uncover subtleties in cases that might remain obscured. While many lawyers may shy away from data, Stephen excels in detecting evidence and patterns that others often overlook, enhancing his ability to advocate effectively for his clients.
FAQs on Healthcare Fraud Defense Investigations
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Leveraging his background as a former newspaper reporter, Stephen Lee applies critical investigative techniques and a detailed approach to fact-finding that enhance the thoroughness and accuracy of legal investigations.
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As a reporter, Stephen Lee interviewed hundreds of people, explained complex issues and events to a broad audience under tight deadlines, and received immediate feedback when corrections were needed. He brings the expertise and skills from my reporting days to my legal practice. Furthermore, he understands the critical importance of comprehensive evidence collection, narrative construction, and meticulous examination of details to formulate compelling legal arguments.
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Stephen Lee’s investigative efforts have been crucial in numerous cases, particularly in identifying key evidence and witnesses that have led to the successful resolution of complex disputes and litigation. In one notable instance, he elicited testimony from a government witness so favorable that it resulted in the dismissal of conspiracy charges against two individuals wrongly implicated in attending a meeting. Furthermore, in several cases, Stephen leveraged data to establish points that perhaps no human witness could have convincingly made.
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Stephen Lee has encountered and addressed various investigation pitfalls, such as overlooked evidence, biased investigative approaches, and inadequate witness interviews, ensuring a more balanced and comprehensive investigative process.
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Successful investigations are often the result of collaborative efforts, combining diverse skills and perspectives to uncover the truth, analyze findings, and strategize legal approaches effectively. In several cases, lawyers have brought Stephen Lee onto their teams to help address healthcare and data issues that many lawyers do not typically encounter in their practice.
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Technology is indispensable in today's investigations, enabling efficient data gathering and analysis, enhancing evidence discovery, and adding new dimensions to traditional investigative methods.
Contact Stephen Lee Law for help with Healthcare Fraud Defense Investigations.
Rookery Building
209 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 950
Chicago, IL 60604