Utah Hospitals Allegedly Overbilled Medicare $22M for ED Visits

Emergency departments at some of Utah's major hospitals might be accountable for $22 million in Medicaid funds for allegedly charging emergency rates for non-emergency care, according to a Salt Lake Tribune report.

The alleged overbilling took place between 2008 and 2009. Inspector General Lee Wyckoff declined to name specific hospitals, according to the report.

A lobbyist for the Utah Hospital Association said hospitals generally don't deny the billing errors but blame them on misinformation provided by the Utah Department of Health, according to the report.

Hospitals are also seeking more limitations on Mr. Wyckoff's authority, as he can extend his authority to hospital activity from 10 or 20 years ago, according to the report. Many hospitals would like to see a statute of limitations on collections.

Related Articles on Hospital Fraud:

14 Hospitals Settle False Claims Allegations Linked to Kyphoplasty Billing
OIG Issues Self-Disclosure Protocol for Healthcare Fraud
OIG Report: Healthcare Reform, Fraud Among Top Challenges Facing HHS


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