September 28, 2016

Pennsylvania-based hospital chain Vibra Healthcare LLC agreed to $32.7 million to resolve claims it violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for medically unnecessary services.  According to the government, Vibra admitted numerous patients to five of its long term care hospitals and one of its inpatient rehab facilities who did not demonstrate signs or symptoms that would qualify them for admission.  In addition, Vibra allegedly extended the stays of its long term care patients without regard to medical necessity, qualification and/or quality of care.  In some instances, Vibra allegedly ignored the recommendations of its own clinicians, who deemed these patients ready for discharge.  The allegations originated in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by Sylvia Daniel, a former health information coder at Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Michigan, under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.  She will receive a whistleblower award of at least $4 million from the proceeds of the government’s recovery.  Whistleblower Insider

Tagged in: FCA Federal, Healthcare Fraud, Lack of Medical Necessity, Whistleblower Case, Whistleblower Rewards,