Ravitej Reddy, 56, used the two labs he owned and operated to execute the schemes, according to an Aug. 14 Justice Department news release. He previously pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the schemes.
He and others paid kickbacks for marketers to obtain cheek swabs from Medicare beneficiaries to be used for laboratory testing, according to the release. He and others also paid kickbacks to ensure that telemedicine physicians provided prescriptions for laboratory testing for the swabs obtained by the marketers. His labs then billed for the performance of the tests.
The schemes caused the U.S. to lose more than $60 million, according to the release.
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.