A Batesville, Miss., man has been hit with a civil judgment of more than $31 million for his role in an illegal kickback scheme targeting federal healthcare programs, the Justice Department said in a March 19 news release.
Robert Crites, 67, owner of Health Services Plus and TriCom, was found to have orchestrated a commission-based referral scheme in which he and others identified and referred patients, primarily TriCare beneficiaries, to Cloverland Pharmacy in Montgomery, Ala., in exchange for kickbacks.
The $31 million judgment includes $16.3 million in damages, representing three times the $5.4 million in losses sustained by TriCare as required under the False Claims Act, as well as $14.7 million in civil penalties. Mr. Crites was the last remaining defendant in the case, with five co-defendants having previously settled.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
