Tenet self-discloses over billing, pays Medicare $43M

During a 2007 internal review, Tenet Healthcare Corp.’s compliance department uncovered overpayments at one of its rehabilitation units at a Georgia facility. The company disclosed the overpayments to the government, which led to an investigation and a $42.75 million settlement to Medicare.  Read more

Justice Dept.: 2011 record-setting year for fraud settlements

The Justice Department announced that fiscal year 2011 saw a record amount  — more than $3 billion — in settlements and judgments. Read more

Diabetic shoe/Medicare scam leads to $27M fine

Rickey Kanter, the former CEO of Dr. Comfort, agreed to plead guilty to mail fraud regarding sales of its shoe inserts to Medicare patients. He faces a $27 million fine and possible jail time. Read more

Hospital fines could top $275m for Stark, False Claims violations

One hospital system will have to pay at least $45 million — and potentially up to $275 million — in fines for allegedly making illegal agreements with doctors. Read more

Health reform bill to increase false claims investigations

Expect to see hospitals paying more settlements for false claims now that the health care reform law is on the books. Read more

Sloppy background checks trip up two companies

Making sure new hires pass appropriate background checks isn’t just to protect patients — it can save hospitals and related businesses a lot of headaches, too. Read more

Settlement agreement in Health Alliance whistleblower suit

A health system accused of illegally providing kickbacks to favored cardiologists has reached an agreement to settle with the feds. And the cardiologist who first brought the case to light stands to make a mint. Read more

Health care fraud up 30% — expected to get worse in ’10

A recent report highlights just how widespread health care-related fraud is — and why the feds are looking to ramp up enforcement. Read more