Pfizer Unsuccessful in Avoiding Off-Label Marketing False Claims Act Case

In a recent False Claims Act case involving the mental health drug Geodon, Pfizer reportedly lost its bid to have the case dismissed after unsuccessfully arguing, among other claims, that relators failed the “first-to-file” and “public disclosure” requirements contained within the language of the FCA. Specifically, the FCA precludes whistleblowers […]

Detroit-Area Physician Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud and Violations of the False Claims Act

When a physician, hospital, or pharmaceutical company engages in fraud against the U.S. government, it is not uncommon for the defendant to face additional penalties and sanctions beyond mere repayment of taxpayer dollars. For example, Medicare fraudsters may face incarceration and probation for engaging in this type of crime – […]

American Family Care Inc. to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle Medicaid and Medicare Fraud Claims

In its latest efforts to combat Medicare fraud, the Department of Justice recently announced a $1.2 million settlement with an Alabama-based walk-in clinic. American Family Care, Inc. has agreed to the settlement after allegations of upcoding and fraudulent invoice practices surfaced when a whistleblower filed a qui tam lawsuit against […]

Repeat Offender Valley Heart Consultants to Pay $3.9 Million to Settle Claims of Medicare Fraud

In a recent press release, the Department of Justice applauds the concerted efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services with the FBI in identifying and investigating allegations of billing fraud spanning nearly six years. According to allegations, Texas-based Valley Heart Consultants was engaging in the practice of performing […]

Arkansas Supreme Court Takes Different View of Risperdal Fraud Case

Late last year, the federal Department of Justice settled a long-running dispute with drug maker Johnson & Johnson over allegations of the off-label marketing of the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal. As is often the case, Johnson & Johnson also faced several state False Claims Act and Deceptive Trade Practices Act allegations, […]