June 25, 2018

Caris Healthcare, L.P. agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit regarding improper billing for ineligible hospice patients. Caris was accused of admitting patients into hospice care that did not have medical records supporting a terminal diagnosis. Caris also allegedly recertified previous false submissions for payment related to hospice care. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee by qui tam whistleblower Barbara Hinkle, a registered nurse who previously worked for Caris. As a result of the settlement, Hinkle will receive $1,402,500 as a relator’s share. DOJ

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