MedQuist Overbilled VA, DOD, Others; Settles for $6.6 Million
December 23, 2008
On December 3, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that MedQuist, the world’s largest Medical Transcription Service Organization, has paid $6.6 million to the United States to resolve False Claims Act allegations.
The suit alleged that the New Jersey-based company fraudulently overbilled numerous federal government clients, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Public Health Service (PHS), a sector of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“The federal government relies on its contractors to provide accurate billing information and it thus will act vigorously against allegations of knowing overbilling,” said Gregory G. Katsas, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.
Whistleblowers Christopher Foley and Susan Purdue, who were permitted to file their lawsuits on behalf of the U.S. through the False Claims Act, will receive $450,000 and $144,000, respectively.
If you are witnessing fraud on the government, contact us by calling 800-377-1812 for strictly confidential advice from experienced counsel, with no fee obligation.
