Bristol (Conn.) Hospital has agreed to a $157,830 settlement to resolve allegations that it improperly accepted referrals from physician practice Bristol Gastroenterology Associates, according to a Hartford Business report.
The allegations pertain to Medicare billing from 2006-2009, according to the report. During that time, BGA had a medical office owned by Bristol Hospital, but did not pay rent and did not have a written lease. The parties entered a written lease agreement in Jan. 2008, but Bristol Hospital failed to collect rent until Aug. 2009.
During this time, BGA regularly referred Medicare patients to Bristol Hospital. The hospital then billed Medicare for services provided.
Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring patients to hospitals with which they have an improper financial arrangement. The lack of a lease agreement and rent falls under an improper relationship.
Though the hospital and physician group both agreed to pay the settlement, neither has admitted wrongdoing. Bristol will pay roughly $98,000 of the settlement.
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The allegations pertain to Medicare billing from 2006-2009, according to the report. During that time, BGA had a medical office owned by Bristol Hospital, but did not pay rent and did not have a written lease. The parties entered a written lease agreement in Jan. 2008, but Bristol Hospital failed to collect rent until Aug. 2009.
During this time, BGA regularly referred Medicare patients to Bristol Hospital. The hospital then billed Medicare for services provided.
Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring patients to hospitals with which they have an improper financial arrangement. The lack of a lease agreement and rent falls under an improper relationship.
Though the hospital and physician group both agreed to pay the settlement, neither has admitted wrongdoing. Bristol will pay roughly $98,000 of the settlement.
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