Physicians and other medical professionals that face allegations of wrongdoing can find themselves dealing with more than just a government investigation. In many cases, these allegations can result in action by the state licensing board.
Two TX ORI clinics agree to settlement in Medicare fraud case
Seven Osteo Relief Institute (ORI) clinics from throughout the country have agreed to settle a Medicare fraud claim with the government. Two clinics are in Texas, one in Dallas the other San Antonio. The others are in Phoenix, Arizona, Lexington, Kentucky, Wall Township, New Jersey and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) states the clinics knowingly billed Medicare in violation of the False Claims Act.
Jury finds TX doctor guilty of health care fraud
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently arrested a Texas physician based on allegations of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks and false statements relating to health care matters. Overall, the government claims the physician falsely billed Medicare for approximately $16 million in unnecessary services or services that patients did not receive.
Genetic testing facility agrees to settlement with DOJ
Earlier this fall, the Department of Justice (DOJ) accused a genetic testing company of health care fraud. The DOJ essentially accused the lab of violating the federal False Claims Act, discussed in more detail in a previous post available here. Instead of fighting the allegations, the lab has chosen to move forward with a settlement agreement.
Death Certificate Project leads to hundreds of investigations
It is no surprise that the federal government is cracking down on medical professionals who fail to follow guidelines when it comes to the prescription of controlled substances like opioids. However, medical professionals may not be prepared for the increasingly aggressive stance of their local licensing board when it comes to allegations of violations.
California's Medical Board provides an example with its use of the Death Certificate Project.
September in review: Dozens charged for health care fraud
The government has continued its crackdown on health care fraud, as exhibited by the dozens of arrests and criminal charges from the month of September. Examples include:
- Genetic testing scam. The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims 35 individuals took part in a health care fraud scheme that used genetic testing services to bilk Medicare of over $2 billion in fraudulent payments.
Diagnostic lab accused of health care fraud in latest DOJ probe
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced charges against diagnostic labs that were allegedly part of a health care fraud scheme involving the use of genetic testing. The agency claims the tests were sold to seniors, with promises the results would provide information about a predisposition to cancer. The DOJ states the tests were either medically unnecessary or not covered by Medicare.
Genetic testing facilities face allegations of health care fraud
The Office of Inspector General with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a consumer alert to warn the public about a potential health care fraud scheme.
Texas nurses accused of drug abuse in ongoing investigation
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating allegations nurses at a Texas hospital were abusing fentanyl. The investigation comes shortly after two nurses at UT Southwestern died from overdose related injuries while in the hospital.
Defense tries to remove judge in opioid case
The country is in the midst of an opioid crisis. The government has come down hard on those connected with the over-prescription of these highly addictive medications to help hold those who played a role in the crisis accountable and deter similar errors in the future. As a result, the government has filed thousands of lawsuits against medical professionals, drug companies and pharmacies based on allegations of criminal wrongdoing connected to the prescription of opioids that include Anti-Kickback (AKS) violations.
