The Department of Justice recently announced the settlements, listed below, in False Claims Act cases. The False Claims Act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government those who falsely claim federal funds or avoid paying funds owed to the government. The United States may intervene in and take over the lawsuit. The False Claims Act also allows the whistleblower to receive a share of any funds recovered through the lawsuit. The False Claims Act is one of the most powerful tools to combat government contract fraud.
The Justice Department announced that 16 separate hospitals and their respective corporate parents have agreed to collectively pay $15.69 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the providers sought and received reimbursement from Medicare for services that were not medically reasonable or necessary.
Georgia Hospital to Pay $20 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations
The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) has agreed to pay $20 million to settle allegations that the hospital violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for more expensive inpatient services that should have been billed as less costly outpatient or observation services. MCCG is located in Macon, Georgia, and is the second largest hospital in the state.
Family Dermatology P.C., which owns and operates a dermatopathology laboratory in Georgia and a number of dermatology practices throughout the Eastern United States, has agreed to pay the United States $3,247,835 plus interest to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in improper financial relationships with a number of its employed physicians.
Citizens Medical Center, a county-owned hospital in Victoria, Texas, has agreed to pay the United States $21,750,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in improper financial relationships with referring physicians.
Related links:
Information on filing a False Claims Act whistleblower rewards claim.
If you have knowledge of False Claims Act violations and would like to know how Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto can help you file a claim, please contact us.