Gynecologist Millicent Francis-Lane, MD, has agreed to pay $950,000 to the North Carolina Medicaid Program to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to upcoding, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Anne M. Tompkins.
Dr. Francis-Lane owns Union County Women’s Care, which has offices in Monroe, N.C. Investigators found that from 2003-2009, she intentionally billed Medicaid for unnecessary tests and for more extensive services than she actually provided.
The $950,000 settlement figure represents more than twice the wrongful billings Dr. Francis-Lane submitted to the Medicaid program, according to the release.
Dr. Francis-Lane has also been required to enter into an Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under this agreement, Dr. Francis-Lane is required to hire a government-approved auditor at her own expense. The auditor will monitor her billing practices for five years, according to the release.
Related Articles on Physicians and Fraud:
14 Nevada Cardiologists Sue Renown for Fraud, Conspiracy in Compensation Agreement
5 New York Physicians Charged With Medicare Fraud
3 North Carolina Physicians Fined $85k for Alleged Unnecessary Care
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.
