Secaucus, N.J.-based Quest Diagnostics has paid more than $13 million to resolve allegations that it gave physicians and other healthcare decision-makers free New York Giants tickets and events to win their lab referrals, according to a Nov. 6 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
From July 2013 through August 2022, Quest allegedly used its naming rights and sponsorship deal with the Giants to offer providers and executives free suite seats at MetLife Stadium with food and alcohol, plus VIP training camp visits, Draft Chalk Talks and Family Combine Days. The government alleged that sales representatives tied their sales goals to Giants invitations and that Quest measured the return on investment of the events for the 2013-16 seasons. The alleged kickbacks led to claims submitted to Medicare and to the New York and New Jersey Medicaid programs.
Quest paid $13,014,576 plus interest and signed a five-year corporate integrity agreement with HHS’ Office of Inspector General. The case was brought by whistleblowers Gerard Abate, MD; Lori Anderson; and Douglas S. Rabin, MD. They will share about $2.47 million of the recovery.
The claims are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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