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Wichita Cardiologist Settles Medicare Fraud Case for $5.8M
A Wichita cardiologist and his medical practice have agreed to pay $5.8 million to resolve allegations of Medicare fraud, federal officials announced.
Joseph P. Galichia, M.D., and his practice, Galichia Medical Group, P.A. (GMED), were accused of improperly billing Medicare for medically unnecessary cardiac stent procedures between 2008 and 2014.
The settlement is the latest in a series of False Claims Act settlements with Galichia and GMED. In 2009, they paid $1.3 million to settle allegations of submitting claims for services not provided or lacking proper documentation. In 2000, they paid $1.5 million to settle allegations of submitting claims for a higher level of service than provided, billing twice for the same services, and billing for services not provided.
The government argued that Galichia and GMED knowingly submitted false billings to Medicare, the Defense Health Agency, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
“When a physician bills the government for medically unnecessary procedures, both patients’ health and taxpayers can end up paying the price,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Hanson of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The case was brought by whistleblower Aly Gadalla, M.D., who will receive approximately $1.16 million as part of the settlement.
The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, with the False Claims Act serving as a key tool in this effort. Tips and complaints about potential fraud can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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