Which of the following is considered Medicare fraud?

Billing for services that were not furnished is a fundamental example of Medicare fraud because it involves intentionally submitting false claims to receive payment for services that were never actually provided to a patient. This practice exploits the Medicare system, leading to financial loss for the program, and undermines the integrity of healthcare services.

In the context of healthcare billing, this type of fraud directly violates the principles of honesty and accountability that are crucial in medical billing practices. It can occur when providers submit claims for procedures, tests, or consultations that did not occur, thus fraudulently obtaining funds from Medicare. The stakes are high, as this can lead not only to significant penalties for the healthcare provider but also contributes to a growing issue of fraudulent activity within the healthcare system.

While the other options listed may involve unethical behavior or billing practices, they do not specifically entail the act of submitting claims for nonexistent services, which is the essence of fraud. Charging excessive fees, improper documentation, and unjustified procedure recommendations may still be considered unethical or improper, but they do not inherently rise to the level of deliberate fraud unless they involve falsifying records or claims.