June 3, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
In yesterday’s post, we introduced the idea of a ‘reverse payment settlement’ agreement as it relates to the delayed introduction of less-expensive, equally-effective generic medications into the American market. In sum, these agreements are entered into between branded pharmaceutical companies and generic drug makers in order to delay the competition […]
June 2, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
As we have covered extensively on this blog, there is no shortage of ways in which pharmaceutical companies and healthcare companies can conspire to cheat American taxpayers. Over the next two posts, we will explore a novel False Claims Act concept that takes aim at the notion of ‘reverse payment […]
June 1, 2015
Education Fraud
Recently, Corinthian College was slapped with a $30 million fine from the federal government for unlawfully inflating its graduation rates in order to lure students into taking out sizable student loans and thereafter failing to follow through with a quality, marketable education. The college was forced to close its doors […]
May 27, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
The Department of Justice announced its latest healthcare fraud settlement involving Georgia-based Family Dermatology, P.C. According to the April 21, 2015, settlement, the practice was allegedly engaging in kickback schemes and improper financial arrangements between itself and several physicians in the local area. The company owns not only a dermapathology […]
May 26, 2015
False Claims Act Legal News
The Department of Justice issued a groundbreaking press release involving a recent settlement with United Parcel Service, the national logistics company. The May 19, 2015, press release details several allegations involving false billing and invoicing for delivery services. While UPS is primarily known for its on-ground delivery system, the False […]
May 15, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
On May 4, 2015, the U.S. District Court Southern District of California unsealed a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower alleging illegal kickbacks involving five California ambulance companies and thousands of government healthcare enrollees transported by said companies. Allegedly, the misconduct began in 2009 and involved several serious violations of the […]
May 14, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
On the heels of its recent $350 million illegal kickback settlement with the Department of Justice, Denver’s DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc. has opted to set aside another $495 million to settle additional claims under the False Claims Act involving fraud against government health insurer Medicare. The claims arose thanks to […]
May 12, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
In a somewhat alarming set of facts, self-proclaimed promoter of “specialty pharmacy solutions” Accredo has agreed to pay $60 million to resolve claims that it engaged in unlawful kickbacks with pharmaceutical company Novartis, Inc. According to the details of the settlement, which were recently unsealed by U.S. District Judge Colleen […]
May 11, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
Illegal billing practices are one of the most common components of a False Claims Act lawsuit. Oftentimes, healthcare facilities engage in years’ worth of fraudulent billing practices before a courageous whistleblower comes forward with allegations of misconduct. At that time, the federal government may opt to intervene in the matter […]
May 8, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
In yesterday’s post, we introduced a recent effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, along with several healthcare advocacy groups and agencies, designed to inform and educate healthcare governing boards as to the importance of maintaining thorough compliance measures. We looked at the […]
May 7, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
On April 20, 2015, the DHHS OIG, along with the Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors, the American Health Lawyers Association, and the Healthcare Compliance Association, published a first of its kind educational manual designed to help boards avoid the costly and dangerous practices of upcoding, illegal billing, and submitting false […]
May 6, 2015
Grant Fraud
Federal grant money can be used in a variety of ways, including research, product development, enhancement of programs, and to fund projects calculated to benefit the public interest. However, grant funds are a limited source funded by taxpayers and are subject to strict eligibility and award criteria. Not only that, […]