John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Ga., has paid $13.9 million to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting its Medicaid status, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The 264-bed hospital was accused of falsely claiming to the Georgia Medicaid program that it was a public hospital in order to participate in the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit program that allows for higher Medicaid reimbursements. Its status also allowed it to receive enhanced Disproportionate Share Hospital funds.
The settlement resolves a federal lawsuit involving whistleblower Wesley Simms, MD, who will receive $695,151 from the settlement amount.
In fiscal year 2010, which ended Sept. 30, the Justice Department recovered $2.5 billion in settlements and awards alleging healthcare fraud, a record-setting amount. Most of the cases were brought by whistleblowers.
Read the Justice Department release on Archbold Memorial Hospital.
Read other coverage of false claims settlements:
- Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, Christ Hospital Pay $108M to Settle Federal Kickback Accusations
- Department of Justice Recovers $3B in False Claims Act Lawsuits in FY 2010
The 264-bed hospital was accused of falsely claiming to the Georgia Medicaid program that it was a public hospital in order to participate in the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit program that allows for higher Medicaid reimbursements. Its status also allowed it to receive enhanced Disproportionate Share Hospital funds.
The settlement resolves a federal lawsuit involving whistleblower Wesley Simms, MD, who will receive $695,151 from the settlement amount.
In fiscal year 2010, which ended Sept. 30, the Justice Department recovered $2.5 billion in settlements and awards alleging healthcare fraud, a record-setting amount. Most of the cases were brought by whistleblowers.
Read the Justice Department release on Archbold Memorial Hospital.
Read other coverage of false claims settlements:
- Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, Christ Hospital Pay $108M to Settle Federal Kickback Accusations
- Department of Justice Recovers $3B in False Claims Act Lawsuits in FY 2010