Here are six things to know:
1. Valeant’s Salix unit, focused on licensing, developing and marketing gastroenterology disorder treatment products, allegedly paid illegal kickbacks to physicians for prescribing seven of its products.
2. Thousands of fraudulent reimbursement claims were submitted to the government as a result of these illegal kickbacks.
3. The alleged kickbacks were in the form of money or perks, including lavish meals.
4. A Valeant spokeswoman noted the alleged kickbacks “involved personnel who are no longer with the company,” reported Reuters.
5. Whistleblowers — a physician and four former Salix employees — brought the case against Salix.
6. As per the settlement, Salix will pay $46.53 million to the United States and $7.47 million to various states.
More articles on GI/endoscopy:
Gastroenterologist to know: Dr. Themistocles Dassopoulos of Baylor University Medical Center
8 GI physicians in the news — June 3, 2016
Dr. Nader Dbouk joins Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates: 4 points
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.