From Aug. 21, 2018, through June 26, 2019, the clinic billed CMS for the implantation of 41 periarticular stimulation devices, which is an electroacupuncture system.
CMS reimbursed the practice $177,051 for the procedures. However, CMS does not reimburse providers for acupuncture devices such as periarticular stimulation or reimburse periarticular stimulation devices as neurostimulators.
“Falsely submitting claims for non-covered services robs from the Medicare program and thereby deprives those in need from vital resources,” U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox said in a news release. “Recovery of improperly paid reimbursements is critical to the long-term sustainability of the Medicare program, and we will do everything we can to ensure that any false claim is quickly recovered.”
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