What is a direct result of a Stark violation?

A direct result of a Stark violation is a ban on billing for referrals. The Stark Law, which prohibits physician self-referral for Medicare and Medicaid patients, aims to prevent conflicts of interest and over-utilization of services. When a Stark violation occurs, it typically means that a healthcare provider has referred patients to receive services from entities in which they have a financial interest, thereby compromising patient care and leading to potential fraud.

As a result of this violation, the healthcare provider may be prohibited from billing for those referred services, which protects the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This ban serves both to deter future violations by imposing financial consequences and to uphold the ethical standards of healthcare delivery. Therefore, the correct understanding of the Stark Law's implications emphasizes the importance of compliance to safeguard against inappropriate financial incentives and ensure that patient care remains the primary focus.