FHIweekly 6/12/25: How to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud in your practice + Screen time and kids' health

June 12, 2025 | Volume XVI | Issue 24

HHS reinstates more than 450 CDC employees fired in April reorganization

CNN reports:

The US Department of Health and Human Services is reinstating more than 450 employees at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who were fired as part of a massive reorganization in April, including workers focused on HIV and childhood lead exposure.

More than 200 employees had their firings rescinded at the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention, along with 158 at the National Center for Environmental Health, an HHS spokesperson confirmed. Another 71 were brought back in the Office of the Director and two dozen more at the Global Health Center.

The reinstatements represent almost 20% of the 2,400 CDC employees who HHS said it was...

How to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud in your healthcare practice

The Health Law Offices of Anthony C. Vitale

Medicare and Medicaid fraud is one of the most serious risks healthcare providers face today. Whether it’s a simple billing error or a larger compliance issue, any mistake can quickly lead to audits, financial penalties, or even criminal charges. That’s why preventing fraud before it happens is key.

Medicare and Medicaid fraud happens when someone knowingly submits false claims or misrepresents facts to receive healthcare payments. But even unintentional errors—like incorrect coding or billing for services not provided—can count as fraud under the law. Examples include upcoding, unbundling, or referring patients in ways that violate federal rules.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), common violations include billing for unnecessary services or receiving kickbacks for referrals.

Government agencies like the OIG, DOJ, and HHS actively investigate providers suspected of fraud. The penalties can be steep—ranging from exclusion from federal programs to criminal prosecution.

Key strategies for smooth EHR transitions in health care

Sandra Johnson writes for KevinMD:

Healthcare organizations continue to face financial and operational efficiency pressures to implement or upgrade their electronic health record (EHR) systems, driven largely by the push for greater interoperability and the need to consolidate disparate systems. While the benefits of modern, integrated EHR systems are clear, the path to successful implementation remains complex and challenging for many organizations.

Ask Dr. Nandi: New study shows how screen time can have negative impact on kids

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7

The study, which analyzed data from nearly 300,000 children worldwide, reveals that kids who spend more time on screens, such as TVs, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles, are at a higher risk of experiencing aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The study was published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

Watch the video HERE.

Inside

FloridaHealthIndustry.com

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