Here are five takeaways:
1. Dr. Morrow pled guilty to billing payers for tummy tucks, nose jobs and breast enlargement, claiming the procedures were medically necessary.
2. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges the surgeon submitted bills for more than $3.4 million. Dr. Morrow admitted to failing to report more than $100,000 of income on a tax return and more than $1.5 million on his 2009 tax return.
3. Several of the victimized payers include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Regional Employer/Employee Partnership for Benefits and Cigna.
4. Dr. Morrow and others billed one payer more than $150,000 for a single procedure.
5. Dr. Morrow faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and three years for filing the false tax return. On September 23, the United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton is scheduled to sentence Dr. Morrow.
More articles on coding & billing:
4 new strategies that could make Medicare function more like the private sector
Aetna, Virtua introduce ACO in South Jersey — 5 things to know
CMS releases update for ICD-10 transition complications: 5 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.