Stacy Hawkins, Medicare Fraud, Texas 2018
Chiropractor Stacy Hawkins has agreed to pay $273,000 to settle allegations she falsely billed Medicare for the use of acupuncture devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Hawkins, 54, is a licensed chiropractor in Rockport.
From September 1, 2016, to December 27, 2018, the company billed Medicare for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. Medicare pays thousands of dollars for this surgical procedure that requires the use of an operating room. However, Hawkins and the clinic's staff did not perform surgery. Instead, patients received devices used for electro-acupuncture. This involves inserting needles into patients' ears with the neurostimulator taped behind them with an adhesive.
Medicare does not reimburse for electro-acupuncture devices as implantable neurostimulators. To date, there have been two other settlements in this district - with a Katy anesthesiologist and a Houston pain doctor - involving similar allegations of false billing.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the U.S. Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Hawkins and her company, Rockport Physical Medicine PA, are not admitting to any wrongdoing as part of this settlement. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder to healthcare providers to accurately bill Medicare for services rendered.
With this settlement, Hawkins and Rockport Physical Medicine PA will pay $273,000. The payment will be made to resolve allegations of false billing and bring closure to the matter.
In related cases, a Katy anesthesiologist and a Houston pain doctor have also settled similar allegations of false billing. The outcome of these cases highlights the importance of accurate billing practices in the healthcare industry.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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