Cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS treatments. These are diseases that can only be treated through personal, individualized care. Everyone’s case is different, so if you see a product promising to cure all kinds of cancer, it is a fraud. Supplements. Many supplements are safe, and some may even be effective. However, they are unlikely to aid in weight loss, increase muscle mass, or enhance sexual performance. Products that promise to help you lose weight without diet or exercise. Pills or other treatments that promise to stop or reverse aging. Medical tests that are not FDA-approved. Cold and flu remedies. While over-the-counter medications can certainly alleviate some of the symptoms of colds and influenza, products that promise you can avoid these afflictions are scams. Treatment for STDs. Effective treatments for STDs can only be attained with a doctor’s prescription. If you rely on products you find elsewhere, you are delaying your own treatment and possibly infecting other people.
Pay attention to the balance of scientific information and testimonials. Does the advertisement focus on the research that backs up its claims, or does it feature individuals testifying to their positive experiences with the product? An abundance of the latter can be indicative that there is a dearth of the former. This can be true of both consumers and doctors offering testimony. Both groups are probably played by actors. When in doubt, consult your doctor about the product you have seen advertised.
Up to 40% of researchers admit to knowledge of misconduct in clinical trials. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source These behaviors can range from intentionally falsifying results to make products seem more effective (fraud) to failing to adhere to double-blind testing practices, random participant selection, etc. (misconduct). [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This means that, in addition to being ineffective, a lot of the products on the market may even be dangerous. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Search the National Library of Medicine, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has lodged complaints about (or can testify to the validity of) clinical trials.
Being charged for a service you did not receive. Being charged for a service that is more expensive than the one you received (upcoding). Being charged for the same thing twice. Performing, and then charging you for, a treatment you did not need. Accepting payment from pharmaceutical companies or medical device producers to push their products. Charging you separately for parts of the same treatment (unbundling).
Do your own research about whatever medical issue you’re facing. Get a second opinion, especially about complex surgeries or devices.
As you do so, be on the lookout for common kinds of healthcare fraud. Talk to your doctor if there is anything on the bill that you do not understand, if you think you were charged improperly, or if you think you did not need one of the services you have been charged for.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs Vaccines Medical equipment Radiation-emitting electronics Beauty products
The False Claims Act allows both patients and the government to file civil suits charging medical fraud, potentially recovering lost funds. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) made healthcare fraud itself a criminal offense punishable with both fines and up to ten years in prison. Those accused of healthcare fraud have also faced other criminal charges, such as conspiracy, which can carry up to to twenty years in prison.
