The Department of Justice claimed the hospital paid a nurse practitioner to work exclusively for orthopedic surgeon Raymond Charette, MD, from 2007 to 2011, allowed the physician to lease a space “rent free” from July to December 2007 and didn’t collect rent on an X-ray machine the physician used for seven years.
In exchange for the alleged perks, the physician allegedly referred patients to the hospital, and the DOJ claimed the hospital submitted claims for those patients to Medicare.
The hospital and DOJ settled the allegations out of court, according to the report.
More Articles on Hospitals and Settlements:
12 Recent Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Hospitals
12 of the Largest False Claims Settlements in 2012
DOJ Breaks Record for Healthcare Recoveries Under False Claims Act
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.