The settlement, announced Aug. 20, resolves allegations brought in 2018 by Donald Lynch, MD, an interventional cardiologist employed by the health system. He alleged the system illegally billed Medicare for trascatheter aortic valve replacements. UC Health needed to have performed at least 50 of the surgeries the year prior to bill for the procedures, and it had allegedly performed about half that amount, a lawyer representing Dr. Lynch told The Cincinnati Enquirer.
UC Health did not admit to the allegations as part of the settlement.
“The procedures were performed consistent with current standards of medical practice,” a UC spokesperson said in a statement to The Cincinnati Enquirer. “We chose to settle this case to avoid the time and cost of lengthy litigation. UC Health remains committed to providing advanced, compassionate medical care to our patients, and to complying with applicable laws and regulations.”
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Ex-CEO gets 3 years in prison for healthcare fraud
Defamation lawsuit accuses New Jersey hospital of ‘bowing to Twitter mob’
Ex-New Jersey hospital workers charged with embezzlement
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.