Unnecessary Diagnostic Tests Cost Doctors Millions in False Claims Settlements

Unnecessary diagnostic tests can result in millions of dollars in false claim settlements because abusing the system to get rich will not be allowed. In a recent case involving violations of the False Claims Act and Nuclear Stress Tests, the U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case said, “Subjecting patients to unnecessary testing to fill one’s pockets with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated. Such practices are particularly concerning because overuse of some tests can be harmful to patients.”

These recent settlements are invaluable for telling us where to focus our attention as compliance professionals. They show us that not all doctors are compliant when ordering diagnostic tests. So you might want to schedule appropriate audits of diagnostic services that your providers order or perform.

Download our free eBrief today, “Diagnostic Testing–Doctors Who Overdo it Could Pay Millions,” to see recent examples of False Claims abuse that resulted in millions of dollars in enforcement settlements.

• A Cardiologist Pays $2 Million
• Pain Specialists Settle For $4 Million Dollars
• North Carolina Doctor to Pay $500,000