Florida lab owner accused in $53M fraud scheme

A Florida lab owner is facing charges in an alleged $53 million Medicaid fraud scheme involving genetic cancer screening tests. 

Daniel Hurt, of Fort Lauderdale, owned several clinical laboratories that conducted or arranged medical tests, according to an Aug. 30 Justice Department news release. Mr. Hurt allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to entities that supplied referrals and orders for genetic cancer screening tests for Medicare beneficiaries. 

From January 2019 to October 2021, Mr. Hurt's labs allegedly submitted 350,000 fraudulent claims to Medicare, according to the release. To conceal the payment of bribes, Mr. Hurt and others allegedly entered into fraudulent contracts to make it appear the suppliers were being paid for legitimate marketing and referral services. Medicare paid at least $53.3 million for the test claims. Mr. Hurt received at least $26.9 million from the Medicare reimbursements. 

Mr. Hurt also was charged in July with conspiracy involving $25 million in fraudulent Medicare claims submitted by Ellwood City (Pa.) Medical Center. 

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