Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries- Government Wins $43 Million Verdict in False Claims Act Case - On February 28,.
Minnesota jury handed down a $43 million verdict in a whistleblower suit against an ophthalmology distributor. The verdict potentially opens the door to False Claims Act FCA liability and statutory penalties. Kickback conspiracy distributor showering surgeons with luxury travel.
A whistleblower alleged that University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its chair of cardiothoracic surgery participated in and billed for up to three concurrent surgeries, risking patient harm and violating the False Claims Act.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and one of its star surgeons, Dr. James L. Luketich, will pay the federal government $8.5 million to resolve claims that Luketich violated Medicare and Medicaid rules by scheduling himself for two and three simultaneous surgeries, prosecutors announced Monday.