The data brief, which listed 27 geographic hotspots for home healthcare fraud nationwide, discovered dozens of home healthcare agencies and physicians in Chicago making claims similar to those in previous fraud cases, according to the Chicago Tribune.
In Chicago, some 37 home health providers and 257 physicians were flagged as potentially fraudulent in the report, though none were named.
The Chicago region is home to the greatest sum of health payments from Medicare — more than $900 million in 2015 — out of $18.4 billion total that year.
Chicago has historically witnessed high instances of home healthcare fraud, leading the federal government to suspend new home care entities in the city in 2013, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The data brief was published on the same day the U.S. Department of Justice charged 301 individuals for Medicare fraud valued at $900 million.
More articles on healthcare legal and regulatory issues:
Advocate-NorthShore request expedited appeal in merger case
UW Medicine hospital broke charity care law, class-action suit claims
UPMC, Allegheny Health fined for improper medical waste disposal
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.
