Two physicians, and the company they manage, agreed to pay millions to settle allegations of a healthcare kickback arrangement with other doctors, according to a release from the Department of Justice.
Specifically, Paul D. Weir, John R. Morgan, and Care Plus Management will distribute $7.2 million to solve the complaint over potential violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act.
As a portion of their scheme, the duo would agree to the kickback agreement “in exchange for the referral of the physicians’ patients for anesthesia services.”
“A physician’s selection of an anesthesia provider for the patients he or she treats should be motivated by the quality of the anesthesia provider rather than by the income the physician can generate for him or herself,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “By offering remuneration to physicians, an anesthesia provider improperly affects the physician’s decision-making process for selecting an anesthesia provider for his or her patients.”
Over a period of four years, the group allegedly gave a portion of their profits in addition to subsidies for various medical supplies and pieces of equipment.
“Medical professionals who enter into arrangements solely to enhance their own profits undermine the public’s faith in our healthcare system,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “By joining forces with our federal partners and those who bring these issues to our attention, our Medicaid Fraud Division is working vigorously to ensure that the integrity of our Medicaid program is not comprised in any way. On behalf of the people of Georgia, we remain vigilant in our efforts to uncover fraud or abuse in our publicly-funded healthcare programs and will continue fighting to protect taxpayer dollars.”
However, in the release, the DOJ noted the settlement resolves the allegations, but it does not determine liability.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
