A Frederick, Md. oncology practice and its physician owner have agreed to pay $1.45 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations of billing Medicare, Medicaid and the VA for chemotherapy drugs that were never paid for or never administered to patients, the Justice Department said in a July 1 news release.
Progressive Oncology & Hematology and its owner Mouhamad Bazzi, MD, allegedly submitted claims for reimbursement for drugs obtained at no cost through charitable organizations or grant programs, split drug wastage from single-use vials across multiple patients while billing as if each received their own vial, and billed for chemotherapy drugs that were prescribed but never administered at the practice.
The claims are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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.
