Sound Physicians, a Tacoma-based, national physician group that employs more than 700 hospitalists, paid $14.5 million to settle claims that it over-billed Medicare. Former Sound Physicians’ employee Craig Thomas filed a whistleblower lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly submitted inflated claims where documentation did not support the level of service billed. Qui tam relators are generally entitled to 15 – 30 percent of the government’s recovery; Thomas will receive $2.7 million, or approximately 18.6%, of the $14.5 million settlement. The settlement represents one of several recent settlements between the government and health care providers under the False Claims Act.
To read the Department of Justice press release click here.
To read qui tam Relator Craig Thomas’ statement click here.
For more information about government investigations, Medicare compliance, or the False Claims Act, please contact Adam Snyder.
