Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center Will Pay $3.5 Million
June 18, 2009
NewsOK reported on June 9, 2009, the payment of $3.5 million by Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center of Oklahoma (Center) to settle allegations of healthcare fraud. The suit, filed by three former workers, alleged that the Center filed thousands of false claims to receive funds from Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for services it did not perform.
As part of the agreement, four Center employees will refrain from participation in any federal health care programs for three years. Despite agreeing to the terms, the Center claims no wrongdoing on its part and has declared that the settlement was a “business decision” that was “in the best interest of the practice and the patients,” said Drew Neville, and attorney for the Center.
U.S. Attorney John Richter said health care fraud will not be tolerated. ”Health care providers can and will be held accountable for their billing practices,” Richter said. “We are firmly focused on vigorously pursuing allegations of fraud and abuse, which divert the scarce resources of Medicare and other government health care programs away from necessary patient care.”
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.
