On Thursday, June 25, 2009, Daniel R. Levinson presented testimony on the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG’s) role in addressing health care waste, fraud and abuse, as well as its plans for health care reform.

Talking before the Subcommittee on Health of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Levinson, inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said these recommendations were based on OIG’s evaluations, investigations and audits on issues, such as fraudulent activity by health care providers; excessive payments for medical services, equipment, and prescription drugs; and financial conflicts of interests within the institutions charged with protecting the health of the American public.

He emphasized that collaboration and innovation are essential in the fight against fraud. Levinson cited the launch of Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint task force consisting of OIG and Department of Justice senior leadership.

The inspector general identified health care vulnerabilities to fraud and waste and outlined OIG’s program to strengthen the integrity of government-run health care, called the Five-Principle Strategy to Combat Health Care Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.

For the full testimony, go to: http://www.oig.hhs.gov/testimony/docs/2009/06252009_testimony_health_reform.pdf.

For more information about qui tam law and health care fraud, contact Nolan and Auerbach, PA. http://www.whistleblowerfirm.com/.