Dr. David Kim pleads guilty to accepting $4.5M in kickbacks — 6 insights

Bariatric surgeon David Kim, MD, of Colleyville, Texas, pleaded guilty to accepting $4.5 million in kickbacks for referring patients to Dallas-based Forest Park Medical Center, Dallas News reports.

Advertisement

Here’s what you should know:

1. Dr. Kim entered a plea deal. He admitted to receiving about $4.5 million in kickbacks between 2009 and 2012.

2. The money was used to market Dr. Kim’s medical practice, Colleyville-based Kim Bariatrics.

3. Dr. Kim was an investor in Forest Park Medical Center. He faces up to five years in federal prison.

4. As part of the plea deal, Dr. Kim will pay the government $2.2 million.

5. Dr. Kim is the third physician to plead guilty in the kickbacks case. Twenty-one people have been charged in what is believed to be a $200 million healthcare scheme; about $40 million was allegedly paid in bribes and kickbacks. Six physicians pled not guilty.

6. Dr. Kim also entered a guilty plea for a tax case. Dr. Kim underreported $18.3 million in income between May 2012 and August 2015, according to court documents. He faces up to three years in prison and has agreed to pay $5.1 million in restitution for the tax case.

More articles on coding, billing and collections:
ASC supply chain tip of the day: Dedicate a supply chain staff
4 insights on outpatient joint replacement surgery from Dr. Ravi Bashyal
Jim Brown appointed CEO of new HCA Gulf Coast acquisition North Cypress Medical Center — 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.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

Advertisement

Comments are closed.