News: Physicians group, neurologist agree to pay $817K, documentation partly to blame

Jefferson Medical Associates, a now dissolved, multi-specialty practice group in Laurel, Mississippi, and neurologist Aremmia Tanious, MD, have agreed to pay the U.S. $817,635.06 to resolve claims under the False Claims Act arising from Medicare overpayments, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

From 2012 through 2014, the medical group and Tanious failed to return overpayments they received from Medicare on claims, according to the allegations. Additionally, from February 1, 2013, through June 30, 2017, they allegedly billed Medicare using multiple medical codes that were unsupported by the documentation in patients’ records.

During the course of the investigation, the group and Tanious voluntarily disclosed information to the U.S. Attorney’s Office after they discovered that Medicare had been overbilled, the DOJ reported.

“This settlement should serve as a reminder to medical providers receiving Medicare funds that they must timely report and return any overpayments owed to Medicare or be subject to liability under the False Claims Act,” U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst said.

Editor’s note: To read the full release from the DOJ, click here. To read more about fraud enforcement efforts in the new year, click here. To read more about False Claims Act cases, click here.