Healthcare and Medicare Fraud Defense in South Carolina

Under Federal Investigation for Healthcare Fraud? Protect Your Career and Your Freedom Now.

The federal government is increasingly targeting healthcare professionals and businesses across South Carolina in aggressive Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare fraud investigations. Federal agents may appear with subpoenas, search warrants, or ask for a "conversation." By the time you learn you’re under investigation, the government may already be building its case.

At the Law Offices of Nathan S. Williams, we represent physicians, clinics, billing specialists, medical executives, and healthcare companies facing federal fraud investigations or criminal charges. As a former Criminal Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina, Nathan Williams led and supervised healthcare fraud prosecutions statewide. Today, he defends those same professionals and businesses, using insider knowledge to dismantle government cases.

Call (843) 473-7000 now for a Free Confidential Consultation if you or your practice is under investigation or indictment.

What Is Federal Healthcare Fraud?

Healthcare fraud involves any scheme to knowingly:

  • Submit false or misleading claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers

  • Overbill for services or bill for services not rendered

  • Use unlicensed staff or kickbacks to generate referrals or billing

  • Alter records or use upcoding/downcoding to increase reimbursements

Common statutes charged in federal healthcare fraud cases include:

  • 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Healthcare fraud)

  • 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b (Anti-Kickback Statute)

  • 18 U.S.C. § 1035 (False statements related to healthcare)

  • 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy)

Many cases also involve:

Common Healthcare Fraud Investigations We Defend

Nathan Williams defends individuals and practices involved in:

  • Alleged Medicare or Medicaid overbilling

  • Billing for services not rendered or medically unnecessary procedures

  • Kickback arrangements between doctors, labs, or referral sources

  • Home health agency fraud

  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) billing fraud

  • Pharmacy or prescription fraud, including opioid-related prosecutions

  • Telemedicine fraud and COVID-19 relief billing audits

  • Electronic health record (EHR) manipulation

Many of these investigations are driven by federal task forces involving:

  • HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, IRS, and DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force

Penalties for Federal Healthcare Fraud Convictions

Healthcare fraud prosecutions can result in:

  • Up to 10 years in prison per count (20+ years if serious harm or death is involved)

  • Fines of hundreds of thousands—or millions—of dollars

  • Restitution to Medicare or other government agencies

  • Asset forfeiture of business revenue, property, or accounts

  • Permanent exclusion from federal healthcare programs

  • Professional license suspension or revocation (MD, RN, NP, etc.)

Even those who are not criminally charged may face:

  • Civil False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits

  • Qui tam whistleblower actions

  • OIG administrative penalties and exclusion notices

Strategic Defense for Healthcare Providers and Organizations

Nathan Williams builds strategic defenses that may include:

  • Challenging intent to defraud – Honest billing errors or unclear regulatory rules do not equal criminal fraud. We focus on proving the absence of intent.

  • Protecting against overcharging and enhancements – The DOJ often overcharges by stacking counts. We work to reduce exposure by challenging unnecessary enhancements or duplicative allegations.

  • Addressing compliance weaknesses early – In some cases, we guide practices to improve compliance and negotiate civil resolutions before criminal charges are filed.

  • Targeting improper investigations – If the government obtained data or records improperly, we move to suppress that evidence.

  • Limiting collateral consequences – We help clients preserve medical licenses, hospital privileges, and professional reputations.

  • Negotiating favorable resolutions – If trial is not the best option, we pursue non-prison plea deals, diversion agreements, or administrative settlements.

Why Choose Nathan Williams for Federal Healthcare Fraud Defense?

  • Former Criminal Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office (South Carolina) – Nathan led federal healthcare fraud enforcement in SC and supervised dozens of complex investigations.

  • 24+ years of legal experience, including 14+ years in federal criminal law

  • Handled multi-million-dollar fraud cases involving physicians, healthcare executives, and corporations

  • Proven success defending clients in investigations by HHS-OIG, DEA, and DOJ

  • Based in Charleston, serving clients statewide: Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and beyond

Learn more about Nathan Williams

Schedule a Free Consultation Now

Healthcare fraud cases move fast—and carry devastating penalties. If you are under investigation or have received a subpoena, letter from HHS-OIG, or grand jury summons, do not wait.

Call (843) 473-7000 today or contact us online to schedule your Free Confidential Consultation.

Early intervention can mean the difference between indictment and resolution. Nathan Williams is ready to fight for you, your license, and your future.

Protecting and Preserving Reputations, Careers, and Liberty.