Fraudulent kickbacks in the health care industry can include which of the following?

• A. Payment for referral of patients
• B. Payment for additional medical coverage
• C. Waiver of deductibles and co-payments
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In health care, kickbacks are gifts or payments given to influence referrals or patient choices. Paying for the referral of patients is a classic example of an improper inducement. Paying for additional medical coverage similarly creates an incentive to steer business or referrals in a particular direction. Waiving deductibles and co-payments also serves as a financial incentive to select a specific provider or service. When any of these exchanges of value are used to influence how patients are referred or which care they receive, they amount to kickbacks. Since all of these scenarios involve offering something of value to influence decisions, the option that encompasses all of the above is the best choice.