Illinois Office of Inspector General Defense Attorney
If you're a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional in Illinois and you’ve been notified of an investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), you're likely feeling anxious—and with good reason. OIG investigations can put your Medicare or Medicaid billing privileges at risk and may even lead to exclusion from federal healthcare programs, threatening your practice, your income, and your reputation.
At The Callahan Law Firm, we help Illinois healthcare providers respond to OIG inquiries, defend against exclusion, and protect their ability to continue serving patients. If you’ve received a Notice of Intent to Exclude, a Civil Investigative Demand, or are under audit or investigation, now is the time to act.
Why Am I Being Investigated by the OIG?
The OIG is tasked with preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in federally funded health programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. That means they closely monitor providers for any conduct that may be considered improper—even if it wasn’t intentional.
Common triggers for OIG investigations include:
- Allegations of billing for services not actually provided
- Improper or upcoded billing (even due to staff or system errors)
- Patient neglect or substandard care
- Employment of individuals who are already excluded from federal programs
- Suspicion of illegal kickbacks or referral payments
- Criminal charges related to controlled substances or healthcare fraud
- Disciplinary action by state licensing boards
Even administrative mistakes or business relationships you didn’t know were problematic can land you in the OIG’s crosshairs.
What’s at Stake?
If you’re found in violation, the OIG can exclude you from Medicare and Medicaid programs, which has serious consequences:
- You’ll be placed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE)
- You won’t be allowed to bill for federally funded services
- Employers and contractors may be penalized for working with you
- Your reputation with patients, peers, and referring providers can take a major hit
Worst of all, an exclusion often lasts a minimum of 3 to 5 years, and getting reinstated isn’t automatic.
How an OIG Defense Lawyer Can Help
You don’t have to go through this alone—and you shouldn’t. Working with an experienced Illinois OIG investigation attorney gives you the best shot at protecting your provider status and avoiding exclusion. Here’s how we help:
- Immediate response to notices and subpoenas
- Guidance on how to respond to a Notice of Intent to Exclude (NOI)
- Development of a strong written defense or Corrective Action Plan (CAP)
- Representation during exclusion appeals to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or Departmental Appeals Board (DAB)
- Strategic advice on mitigating factors, compliance improvements, and communication with investigators
- Help applying for reinstatement if you’ve already been excluded
Every case is different. We tailor our defense strategy to your specific situation, goals, and risk level.
What Should I Do If I’m Under OIG Investigation in Illinois?
Time is critical. Once you receive an NOI or similar letter, you may only have 30 days to respond. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the more options you have to resolve the matter before it escalates.
Do not ignore letters from the OIG or attempt to manage the situation without counsel. Even well-meaning responses or disclosures can be misunderstood or used against you later.
Speak With an Illinois OIG Defense Attorney Today
At The Callahan Law Firm, we represent doctors, nurses, clinics, and other healthcare professionals across Illinois who are facing OIG scrutiny. Whether you’re trying to avoid exclusion or working to get reinstated, we’re here to fight for your future. Schedule a confidential consultation directly with an attorney.
Your career is worth protecting. Let’s take action before it’s too late.
