5/9/2013
Tough News for Tuomey
Yesterday, a federal court jury in Columbia, South Carolina concluded that Sumter-based Tuomey Healthcare System violated the False Claims Act (“FCA”) by submitting thousands of bills for services that resulted from tainted compensation arrangements under the federal Stark law. Tuomey submitted bills for approximately $39 million in services; it now faces potential liability not only for repayment of those amounts, but also treble damages and other penalties under the FCA in excess of $300 million.
The case goes back to 2003. Facing the risk... (Read More)
5/8/2013
OIG Issues Guidelines for Providers on Exclusion Policy and Liability
Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) published an updated Special Advisory Bulletin (“Bulletin”) that provides guidance to the health care industry on the scope and effect of OIG exclusion and best practices for screening employees and contractors to determine whether they are excluded persons.
The Bulletin follows the OIG’s Special Advisory Bulletin published in 1999 on the effect of exclusion from participation in feder... (Read More)
5/8/2013
Payments for Home Health Services and Hospice Care: VA Releases Final Rule
On Monday, May 6, 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a final rule (the Rule) that amends the reimbursement structure for non-VA providers of home health and hospice services that have not specifically contracted with the VA for these services.
Non-VA providers of home health services and hospice care will receive a payment that is the lower of the Medicare fee schedule or prospective payment system amount, unless VA negotiates a specific am... (Read More)