Medicare Fraud Attorney Miami Florida & Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyers
Aggressive Miami Medicare Fraud Attorneys and Federal Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyers – When Federal Agents Target Your Miami Healthcare Practice for False Claims Act Charges, We Build a Custom Legal Team Of Former DOJ Attorneys and Federal Executives Around Your Case to Aggressively Fight Back.
Medicare Fraud Allegations in Miami? What You Need to Know Before Making Your Next Move
Healthcare professionals and business owners in Miami are seeing a rise in federal enforcement related to Medicare fraud. In many cases, what begins as a billing audit quickly escalates into a criminal investigation. These situations often involve the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), or agents from the FBI.
If you’re facing federal scrutiny—whether through a subpoena, civil investigative demand (CID), or contact from law enforcement—it’s important to understand how these cases unfold and what options are realistically available to you.
SEE WHERE YOU STAND — Speak with a Federal Defense Lawyer Today
You have constitutional rights – we help you to protect them.
The DOJ as about a 90% conviction rate. However, many defendants seek single team defense attorneys, or believe that speaking to federal agents may get your case thrown out or close the investigation because you know that you’ve done nothing. Nothing cane be far from the truth. We work with clients that focus on building a team that also focuses on disecting the government’s case and exposing serious mistakes. Building a team with specific dedication to your case and immediately creating a dialogue with the United States prosecutors increases you chances of prevailing or getting a better outcome.
The federal government uses sweeping methods to invade your home or business. When you are under federal investigation for Medicare fraud or healthcare fraud, you are facing harsh and aggressive targeting tactics by the feds. The government is allowed to do several ways to extract information from you. Although you have done nothing wrong, do not try to handle allegations,, indictments or investigation on you own. The federal often executes search warrants, search your office and or home.
At the end of the day, you must realize that you have a right to remain silent and to not incriminate your self. The Miami healthcare fraud defense lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC stand by to immediately help you. Speak to National Practice Leader Theodore Watson .Call 1.866.601.5518
When you are investigated or indicted for federal health fraud False Claims Act charges, the stakes are high and you must get you legal defense in place immediately. The government has been building a case against you. The DOJ and federal law enforcement is coming after everything you have built. The fight sometimes drain you, and takes alot of your resources. Our law firm is here to put a a team together that can push back. Call us immediately to start protecting your rights. The government will try to take them away.
Federal Criminal Cases in Miami and Florida are Alive and Real
Two Miami Men Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for $28 Million Scheme Involving Diverted Pharmaceuticals
Law Enforcement Recovers Over $6 Million in Forfeited Assets from Miami Couple Sentenced to 9- and 3-Year Prison Terms for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies
Southern District of Florida: National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud
COMMON SCENARIOS WE SEE IN MIAMI
We often work with clients in Miami who are navigating one or more of the following:
Receipt of a subpoena or CID involving Medicare billing data
Involvement in a whistleblower/qui tam complaint filed by a former employee or competitor
Contact from agents regarding upcoding, unnecessary services, or telehealth billing patterns
Concerns related to referral arrangements or marketing relationships that may implicate the Anti-Kickback Statute
A government audit or investigation that has escalated into a criminal inquiry
For business owners, physicians, or healthcare executives, the legal, financial, and reputational impact of such investigations can be significant—even when the conduct was not intentionally fraudulent.
Aggressive Federal Healthcare Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers – Southern District of Florida
Below are our national team leads.
U.S. Air Force Retired Veteran, Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. National Practice Group Lead Lawyer. Brings over 23 years of experience in federal practice and experience working for federal agencies.
Background:•Former federal agency executive•Extensive government contracting experience•Federal criminal defense attorney•Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United StatesAt Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado, Florida, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, our top-rated white collar defense attorneys have experience actually working for federal government contracting agencies.
With former DOJ attorneys and prosecutors on our team, we understand the nuts and bolts of how the investigation comes about and how the DOJ or even the SBA OIG develops a civil or criminal case against you.
A crucial aspect of our practice lies in the fact that many of our federal defense lawyers possess extensive experience as government contracting officials. We also understand how trial lawyers in federal agencies like the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Southern District of Florida operate. Drawing on those valuable insights, our job is to deconstruct the government’s case and develop a legal defense that can create leverage in the event of litigation.
Chris Mancini. – Counsel (Former DOJ Attorney Florida Lead)
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of legal experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Former DOJ Attorney, Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have been indicted for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back. Read more.
Carolyn L. Oliver – Counsel (Former DOJ Attorney)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends. Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
Carolyn is a recognized leader in criminal defense, known for her fierce courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. She has successfully defended countless clients, earning a reputation for results-driven strategies and compassionate client care. As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations. Read more…
Robert “Bob” Ayers – Of Counsel (Corporate Defense Counsel)
James M. Allen Of Counsel
James M. Allen, Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC, is a committed federal white collar criminal defense attorney with experience handling a range of complex matters at the trial and post-conviction levels.
His background includes defending clients in both state and federal forums, with a growing emphasis on federal white collar criminal defense.
As a white collar crime attorney, he maintains a strong professional interest in matters involving procurement fraud, SBA investigations, and regulatory enforcement, and is well-versed in the legal frameworks and defense strategies that shape those cases. James brings a measured, thoughtful approach to every case, prioritizing clarity, strategic planning, and strong client communication.
Wise D. Allen Counsel
Wise D. Allen, Esquire , Counsel, is a former Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in resolving corporate defense and litigation in vast international and national legal issues.
He brings a wealth of successful experience to government contractors seeking defense counsel in the various areas of procurement fraud, international contracting, False Claims Act defense, and more.
Mr. Allen’s federal litigation experience as a former appellate attorney representing the United States and federal attorney for defendants in trials that led to his clients receiving overwhelmingly favorable outcomes in contested issues and obtaining non-contested resolutions. Read more..
John M. Brandon (Former Prosecutor)
Jon M. Brandon, Of Counsel, is a gifted, award-winning criminal trial lawyer and federal criminal defense lawyer who has spent his career in a courtroom trying complex, high-profile cases. Mr. Brandon was a top prosecutor at one of the largest district attorney offices in the nation, where he also worked as a cross-sworn federal prosecutor (Special Assistant US Attorney) on a large RICO matter.
During his 15-year tenure as a prosecutor in California, Mr. Brandon tried dozens of high-profile trials. He has tried more than 80 trials to verdict. He established himself as an extraordinary white collar trial attorney by winning some of the most serious and complex murder cases statewide.
After serving many years as a homicide prosecutor and government agency leader, Mr. Brandon has turned his attention over the last several years to being a white-collar federal criminal defense lawyer and civil litigation attorney in Texas and the southern region, expanding his repertoire and continuing to employ his litigation skills. Mr. Brandon’s passion for representing individuals, businesses, and organizations thrust into investigations or litigation is apparent in his meticulous case preparation, client-centered approach, insider knowledge, and trial skills. He works tirelessly to ensure every client receives top-notch advocacy and a formidable defense. Read More.
For a FREE Initial Consultation, call 1.866.601.6618 and speak to Mr. Watson. When you’re under federal investigation, time is not on your side.
The $2.1 Billion Wake-Up Call: Why Miami Healthcare Providers Are Under Siege
In 2024, a Florida doctor was charged with the largest health care fraud scheme in U.S. history—$2.1 billion in false Medicare and Medicaid claims. South Florida call centers have been linked to multi-billion dollar Medicare fraud operations. Just recently,another Florida man was convicted in a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud scheme. The message from federal prosecutors is crystal clear: if you operate a healthcare business in Miami, you are a target.Southern District of Florida and Miami is home to one of only nine established federal healthcare fraud task forces in the United States. This means your city has dedicated teams of FBI agents, DOJ prosecutors, and OIG investigators whose sole mission is identifying and prosecuting healthcare providers for Medicare fraud. They have unlimited resources, sophisticated data analytics, and years to build cases against Miami healthcare providers.If you’ve received a federal subpoena, if DHHS, FBI or DOJ federal agents have contacted your practice, or if you suspect your Miami healthcare business is under investigation, call our Miami Medicare Fraud Investigation Lawyer andWhite Collar Crime Attorneys at (866) 601-5518 immediately.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RESPONDING
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Is this just about overpayments, or is the government alleging fraud?
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What are the potential consequences for the business?
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Will responding alone signal unpreparedness or misunderstanding of the process?
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Is there a way to explain the billing patterns with context or compliance efforts?
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Are there industry-specific considerations in Miami that could influence how the case is viewed?
These are not abstract questions—they’re often the ones that determine whether the matter escalates or resolves quietly.
Understanding the Medicare Program and White Collar Crime: What Every Miami Healthcare Provider Must Know
Medicare fraud Miami FL Emergency Response: When Federal Agents Target Your Miami, Florida PracticeThe Medicare program is a federal health insurance system that provides coverage for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. For Miami healthcare providers, Medicare represents a significant portion of patient revenue, but it also creates substantial federal oversight and fraud enforcement exposure.
MIAMI ENFORCEMENT PATTERNS
The Southern District of Florida is among the most active regions in the country for healthcare fraud enforcement. Miami, in particular, has seen frequent initiatives focused on:
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Telehealth billing (especially post-COVID)
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Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers
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Pharmacy and compound drug claims
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Behavioral health and outpatient services
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Alleged kickback arrangements and marketing relationships
Being in Miami means your matter is likely to be reviewed with more intensity and urgency than in other areas. Understanding local patterns—and how cases have been charged here—is key to preparing an informed response.
Why Miami Healthcare Providers Face Unique Federal Enforcement Risks
Top Miami healthcare fraud defense attorneys: Miami’s healthcare industry presents unique characteristics that make it a prime target for federal Medicare fraud enforcement. The city’s large elderly population creates high Medicare utilization, while its international patient base and medical tourism industry create complex medical billing scenarios that federal investigators often misinterpret as fraudulent activity.WHAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY
We don’t approach every Medicare fraud matter the same way. Our process typically involves:
Understanding the business model behind the billing
Clarifying whether the issue is civil, administrative, or criminal
Identifying who the government sees as liable — the company, individuals, or both
Coordinating with internal stakeholders (compliance teams, counsel, CPAs)
Preparing a strategy that considers reputation, business continuity, and legal risk
In our experience, it’s rarely just about “defense.” It’s about working with the client to contain the issue, control the narrative, and minimize disruption—while also protecting against legal exposure.
Unlike large healthcare defense law firms that assign cases to available paralegals, the Watson & Associates, LLC law firm builds custom legal teams around each client’s specific situation. We understand that Medicare fraud cases in Miami involve complex medical, financial, and regulatory issues that require specialized expertise tailored to your unique circumstances.How We Assemble Your Custom Legal Defense Team
Miami pharmaceutical fraud defense lawyer: When you retain Watson & Associates for healthcare fraud Medicare fraud defense, we immediately assess your case’s specific requirements and assemble a team of legal professionals with relevant expertise. For a Miami hospital facing billing fraud allegations, we might assemble a team including former CMS officials who understand hospital reimbursement systems, healthcare compliance experts familiar with Miami’s medical tourism industry, and financial analysts who can challenge the government’s damage calculations.For a Miami physician practice facing kickback allegations, we build a team including former DOJ prosecutors who understand healthcare fraud investigations, medical professionals who can explain standard referral practices, and regulatory experts who can demonstrate compliance with applicable laws. Each team is customized to address the specific allegations, regulatory issues, and business concerns in your case.
Federal Medicare Fraud and Healthcare Fraud in Miami FAQs
1. Can I go to prison for federal healthcare fraud?
Answer:
Yes — federal healthcare fraud is a serious felony offense. A conviction in federal court can result in 10 years per count, or even more if the government proves patient harm, billing fraud over $1 million, or a conspiracy involving multiple providers. Miami federal courts are known for aggressive prosecution and sentencing in these cases.
2. What’s the difference between civil and criminal healthcare fraud?
Answer:
In civil cases, the government seeks financial penalties, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, or licensing consequences. In criminal cases, you are facing felony charges, prison time, and a permanent criminal record. In Miami, Florida, many civil audits escalate into criminal investigations — so early legal intervention is crucial.
3. Who investigates federal healthcare fraud in Miami?
Answer:
Federal cases are usually led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG). In Florida, these agencies often work with the FBI, CMS, and local U.S. Attorney’s Offices to investigate billing irregularities, kickbacks, and violations of federal statutes like the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
4. I received a target letter or subpoena — what should I do?
Answer:
A target letter means the government believes you committed a federal crime and may soon indict you. A subpoena demands records or testimony. Do not speak to investigators or comply without legal counsel. A skilled federal defense attorney can intervene early — and in some cases, stop charges before they’re filed.
5. Can my license be suspended even if I haven’t been convicted?
Answer:
Yes. Federal investigations can trigger administrative actions against your license even without a conviction. A pending indictment or formal charge can lead to temporary or permanent suspension from Medicaid/Medicare programs or your state licensing board. Our fraud charges attorney Miami defends both your legal freedom and your professional credentials.
6. How can I tell if I’m the target of a federal case or just a witness?
Answer:
If federal agents have contacted you, requested documents, or sent a subpoena, you may be a target, subject, or witness — and this status can change quickly. Do not assume you’re safe. Only a federal defense attorney can find out your legal status and protect you from making costly mistakes.
7. Do I need a Miami healthcare fraud attorney who specifically handles federal healthcare fraud cases?
Answer:
Yes — federal cases are not the same as state cases. The rules, evidence standards, agencies, and sentencing guidelines are more complex. Many attorneys don’t understand the False Claims Act, Stark Law, or Anti-Kickback Statute. We do. Our firm handles complex federal healthcare fraud defense across Miami, Florida, and nationwide.
Who Are Our Clients
The Watson & Associates, LLC Law Firm Provides Nationwide Criminal Defense Attorneys and Miami medicare fraud attorneys for Health Care Providers, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Companies, Licensed Pharmacists and Pharmacies, Manufacturers, and More.
Ready to have a custom legal team built around your specific Medicare fraud case? Contact Watson & Associates’ healthcare fraud attorney Miami for immediate Miami consultation.Former Government Agency Officials Who Understand How Investigations Really Work
Our team includes former federal agency officials who understand Medicare fraud investigations from the government’s perspective. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate investigation strategies, identify weaknesses in the government’s case, and develop defense approaches that address the specific concerns driving federal enforcement actions.Unlike attorneys who learned about Medicare fraud enforcement through criminal defense law practice, our team members have worked within federal agencies that oversee Medicare programs and healthcare compliance. We understand how investigation priorities are set, how cases are built, and where government cases are most vulnerable to challenge.Defending Medicare Fraud Cases: Our Comprehensive Approach
Early Intervention: Stopping Investigations Before Charges Are Filed
The most effective Medicare fraud defense begins before criminal charges are filed. When Miami healthcare providers receive subpoenas, civil investigative demands, or visits from federal agents, immediate legal intervention can often resolve matters without criminal prosecution.Our Miami Medicare fraud criminal defense lawyers bring an early intervention approach involves immediate case assessment to understand the scope of the government’s investigation and the specific allegations driving federal interest.We work quickly to identify documentation that supports our client’s position and develop proactive responses that address the government’s concerns while protecting our client’s interests.In many cases, early intervention allows us to provide information that clarifies billing practices, explains medical necessity determinations, or demonstrates compliance efforts that federal investigators may not have considered. This proactive approach often results in investigation closure without criminal charges, protecting both our client’s freedom and their healthcare business.Miami Medicare Fraud Attorneys – We Challenge the Government’s Case Through Expert Analysis
Medicare fraud prosecutions often rely on complex data analysis and expert testimony to establish fraudulent billing patterns. Watson & Associates Miami Medicare fraud attorneys challenge these government cases through our own expert analysis that identifies flaws in the government’s methodology, alternative explanations for billing patterns, and evidence that supports legitimate medical practice.We work with forensic accountants who can challenge the government’s damage calculations, medical experts who can explain the medical necessity of questioned treatments, and healthcare compliance experts who can demonstrate adherence to applicable regulations. This comprehensive expert approach allows us to present alternative narratives that undermine the government’s fraud allegations.Our expert team of Miami ponzi scheme defense lawyers and healthcare fraud defense attorneys approach is particularly effective in Miami Medicare fraud cases because we understand the unique characteristics of Miami’s healthcare market, including medical tourism, diverse patient populations, and complex billing scenarios that federal investigators often misinterpret as fraudulent activity.
Understanding Medicare Fraud Allegations: Common Scenarios in Miami
Miami Hospital and Health System Fraud Defense Attorneys
Miami’s major hospital systems face increasing scrutiny for billing practices, admission decisions, and physician relationships. Federal prosecutors commonly allege that hospitals engage in upcoding procedures to maximize reimbursements, admit patients unnecessarily to increase revenue, or maintain improper financial relationships with physicians that violate anti-kickback laws.Hospital Medicare fraud cases often involve complex financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians, including medical directorships, consulting agreements, and equipment leases that prosecutors claim constitute illegal kickbacks. These cases require detailed analysis of healthcare industry standards, regulatory compliance requirements, and legitimate business arrangements that may appear suspicious to federal investigators unfamiliar with healthcare operations.Miami Physician Practice Fraud Lawyers
Miami physician practices face Medicare fraud allegations involving billing irregularities, documentation deficiencies, and alleged unnecessary procedures. Federal investigators use data analytics to identify practices with billing patterns that deviate from peer norms, often targeting high-volume providers or specialists with expensive procedure codes.Top Miami healthcare fraud defense lawyers:Physician Medicare fraud cases frequently involve allegations that providers billed for services not rendered, upcoded procedures to increase reimbursements, or provided medically unnecessary treatments to generate revenue. These cases require careful analysis of medical records, billing documentation, and clinical decision-making processes to demonstrate legitimate medical practice.
Common Medicare Fraud and Healthcare Fraud Charges Under Federal Law in Florida
Several federal statutes govern healthcare fraud and are frequently used in criminal and civil cases, including:
The False Claims Act (31 USC 3729–3733): This law allows the federal government to pursue you or your company if you knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims to government healthcare programs.
Civil and Criminal False Claims Act Penalties can include treble damages and civil fines exceeding $25,000 per claim.*
Anti-Kickback Statute (42 USC 320a-7b). This federal criminal statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving anything of value to induce or reward referrals or generate federal healthcare program business. Criminal convictions can result in felony charges, exclusion from federal programs, and up to 10 years in prison.
Stark Law (42 U.S.C. § 1395nn). This is a strict liability statute that prohibits physicians from referring patients for certain designated services payable by Medicare or Medicaid if the physician has a financial relationship with the entity. Penalties include fines and exclusion.
Healthcare Fraud (18 USC 1347) A criminal statute that makes it illegal to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program. It carries up to 10 years in prison, or 20 years if it results in serious bodily injury.
Conspiracy (18 USC 371). Frequently added to fraud indictments, conspiracy charges involve two or more persons working together to commit healthcare fraud.
Wire Fraud (18 USC 1343). Use of email, telephone, or the internet to commit fraud can trigger additional felony charges. A single healthcare fraud investigation can implicate multiple statutes, significantly raising the stakes for a defendant.
Emergency Response for Miami Healthcare Investigations
Top Miami Healthcare Lawyers. 24/7 Availability for Crisis Situations – Call 1.866.601.5518
Medicare fraud investigations often involve crisis situations that require immediate legal response. When federal agents execute search warrants, when providers receive target letters, or when exclusion proceedings begin, immediate legal intervention can significantly influence case outcomes.Watson & Associates provides 24/7 emergency response for Miami healthcare providers facing federal investigations.Our Miami, Florida Medicare fraud lawyer emergency consultation process allows us to assess situations quickly, provide immediate guidance, and begin developing defense strategies that protect our clients’ interests from the investigation’s earliest stages.Immediate Case Assessment and Strategy Development
When Miami healthcare providers contact Watson & Associates about potential Medicare fraud issues, we immediately assess the situation to understand the scope of federal interest, the specific allegations involved, and the immediate steps necessary to protect our client’s interests.Our immediate assessment process involves reviewing available documentation, analyzing the government’s likely theory of the case, and identifying immediate actions necessary to preserve evidence, protect business operations, and begin developing defense strategies. This rapid response capability allows us to intervene effectively in time-sensitive situations.Contact Watson & Associates for Miami Medicare Fraud Defense Lawyers
Medicare fraud Attorney Miami Florida, Emergency Line: Available 24/7 Phone: (866) 601-5518
Coral Gables Office:
2332 Galiano Street, 2nd Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134
SEE WHERE YOU STAND — Speak with a Federal Defense Lawyer TodayContact Our Federal False Claims Act Miami Medicare Fraud Attorneys for Immediate Help
Federal investigations involving Medicare billing are serious—and often complex. If you or your business has received any kind of government inquiry, take time to understand what’s really at stake before acting.
The decisions you make in the early stages may determine what options you have later. Getting sound legal advice early doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It means you’re preparing wisely for what comes next.
We’re available to speak confidentially with clients throughout Miami and South Florida.
Hire medicare fraud lawyer Miami: Protect Your Future with Watson & Associates’ 18 USC 1347 False Claims Act and Miami medicare fraud defense lawyers: If you’re seeking dedicated Miami healthcare lawyers to defend your rights, contact us today for a consultation.
For a confidential, no-cost initial consultation with federal Mami Medicare fraud attorney, contact the best criminal defense False Claims Act lawyers and medicare fraud, healthcare medical billing fraud defense attorneys at Watson & Associates. Call 1-866-601-5518 and Speak directly. to Theodore Watson.