A Louisville, Ky., physician agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that he and his practice submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TriCare by improperly billing services performed by nurse practitioners, according to an Aug. 28 Justice Department news release.
What happened?
- James Charasika, MD, and his practice, Louisville Patient Centered Medical Home, allegedly billed the federal programs as though Dr. Charasika had personally provided medical services that were actually delivered by NPs.
- Under Medicare rules, NP services may be billed under a physician’s name if certain requirements are met. Federal prosecutors alleged those conditions were not satisfied in this case.
- The settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s whistleblower provisions.
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