Whistleblower News From The Inside -- March 22, 2018

By the C|C Whistleblower Lawyer Team

Maryland healthcare providers settle FCA suit for over $800k — A Baltimore-based hospital and four other healthcare providers have settled allegations that they billed Medicare for two, different and redundant tests for deep vein thrombosis. One of the tests is outdated, and was not actually performed by the providers. USAO Maryland

Pennsylvania cardiologist settles FCA suit for $126k — Dr. Vidya Banka has settled allegations that he billed Medicare for unnecessary stent procedures. The fraud was brought to light via a self-disclosure by Dr. Banka’s former employer, the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). UPHS reached a settlement last January, but the federal government continued its investigation of Dr. Banka. In addition to the monetary settlement, Dr. Banka is not allowed to participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federally-funded healthcare program for the next five years. USAO Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Two National Guard soldiers receive prison sentences for phony bonus scheme — Evette Merced and Darryl Harrison received 33 month sentences for or leading a scheme designed to fraudulently obtain recruiting bonuses intended to reward those who legitimately recruited soldiers to the Army National Guard. The pair paid kickbacks to induce referrals for which they received bonus money. USAO Southern District of New York