HELENA – In a stunning revelation, St. Peter’s Health has been brought to justice for its involvement in a brazen $10.8 million False Claims Act scam. The healthcare provider, based in Helena, Montana, has agreed to pay a whopping $10,844,201 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payments to federal health care programs.
The scheme, which unfolded between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, involved St. Peter’s Health relying on the documentation and certification of Dr. Thomas Weiner, an oncologist employed at its cancer treatment center. The government alleged that St. Peter’s, knowingly or unknowingly, submitted claims for office visits that were coded at a higher level of service than was actually performed or did not meet the requirements of a significant, separately identifiable service when performed on the same day as administration of chemotherapy.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Jesse Laslovich, announced the settlement agreement during a press conference at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Paul G. Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Helena. “One of the purposes of the False Claims Act is to protect the American taxpayer from paying for false claims submitted by health care providers to federal health care programs,” Laslovich emphasized. “We take these allegations seriously, which is why I am pleased we obtained this settlement agreement that returns almost $11 million to the United States.”
Laslovich credited St. Peter’s Health for its cooperation in the matter, stating that the healthcare provider voluntarily disclosed the misconduct and worked with federal investigators to identify the problem and amount of false billing. The U.S. Attorney also commended the cooperation of St. Peter’s Health, stating that “this settlement would not have been possible without the cooperation of St. Peter’s Health, who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct and cooperated with federal investigators to identify the problem and amount of false billing.”
The settlement agreement, signed on August 26, 2024, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of federal agencies to enforcing the False Claims Act and upholding the integrity of federal health care programs. Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), praised the outcome, stating, “Today’s settlement highlights our unwavering commitment to enforcing the False Claims Act and upholding the integrity of federal health care programs.”
The settlement agreement has far-reaching implications, with St. Peter’s Health agreeing to pay $10,844,201 no later than 30 days after the effective date of the agreement. Under the terms of the settlement, St. Peter’s Health will also implement reforms to prevent similar misconduct in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in the healthcare industry and the consequences of violating federal laws and regulations.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether any individuals will face charges for their role in the scandal. However, one thing is certain: the U.S. government will continue to crack down on healthcare providers who engage in false claims and other forms of misconduct.
St. Peter’s Health’s $10.8 million settlement is a significant blow to the healthcare provider, but it also serves as a warning to other healthcare providers who may be tempted to engage in similar misconduct. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the healthcare industry and underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and upholding the integrity of federal health care programs.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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