Kentucky lab owner admits to defrauding Humana, Aetna, Anthem

The owner of a toxicology lab in Kentucky pleaded guilty for his role in a conspiracy that defrauded health insurers of more than $1.3 million, according to the Department of Justice.

Advertisement

Dinesh Goyal, owner of Owensboro, Ky.-based Tristate Medical Laboratory, falsely submitted billing information to Kentucky’s Medicaid program that made it look like urine drug tests completed outside of his facility were performed at Tristate. Mr. Goyal was falsely billing tests for two co-conspirators, who were restricted from filing claims due to concern over their legitimacy.

Through the scheme, Mr. Goyal received 40 percent of the fraudulent claims. The fraudulent claims were filed to Humana CareSource, Aetna Coventry Cares and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Medicaid plans.

In addition to Mr. Goyal’s guilty plea, he entered a separate settlement to resolve his civil liability under the False Claims Act. Under that agreement, Mr. Goyal agreed to sell his personal and commercial property and remit 75 percent of sales to the U.S., as well as be excluded from the Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid program for 10 years.

One of Mr. Goyal’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty to the same offense and the other died unexpectedly in August 2017.

More articles on payers:
UnitedHealth needs to shore up mental health coverage, plaintiffs argue
Las Vegas hospital will have to contract with Medicare, Medicaid by 2021
Massachusetts residents bought fake health insurance, state says

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.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.