Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Baptist Health to Pay 3.7 Million to settle Medicare Fraud Charges

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — One of the largest health care providers in San Antonio has paid nearly $3.7 million to settle Medicare fraud allegations.
Prosecutors on Monday announced the settlement with Baptist Health Systems in a dispute over Medicare reimbursement. A health care provider must disclose that a patient has other insurance when the group files its claim with Medicare.
A whistle-blower lawsuit led to the investigation into allegations that a patient had another insurance policy to cover care at Baptist. The lawsuit also alleged Medicare overpaid Baptist Health Systems on claims from 2003 through 2007.
U.S. Attorney Robert Pittman says Baptist Health Systems cooperated in the review.
The False Claims Act allows a whistle-blower to share in the settlement. Norma Rivera received $661,500, plus Baptist Health Systems paid her legal fees.