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Tampa Dermatologist Group to Pay $4 Million in Medicare Fraud Settlement
Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, Dermatology Healthcare, LLC, and its affiliates have agreed to pay $4 million in a False Claims Act settlement. The settlement was reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and stems from allegations that the dermatology group submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer with superficial radiation therapy.
According to the settlement, Dermatology Healthcare, LLC, Robert A. Norman, D.O., P.A., Robert A. Norman, D.O., and Carol Norman failed to adequately supervise the administration of superficial radiation therapy and up-coded claims for procedures related to the treatment. The group also over-utilized radiation simulations, resulting in millions of dollars in unnecessary reimbursements.
‘Health care providers will be held accountable for the claims they submit to federal health care programs,’ said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. ‘As this settlement makes clear, our civil division continues to make healthcare fraud enforcement a core part of the mission of our office.’
The investigation was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Emden and involved a coordinated effort from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The settlement was brought to light by a whistleblower, Theodore A. Schiff, M.D., a dermatologist from Palm Beach County, Florida. Dr. Schiff filed the original lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allows a private citizen to sue on behalf of the United States and share in the recovery.
The False Claims Act has been instrumental in combating healthcare fraud, and the government is urging anyone with information about potential fraud to come forward. Tips can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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