WASHINGTON DC — Several doctors, medical practices, and a marketing company have agreed to pay a total of $1.9 million to settle allegations that they participated in illegal laboratory kickback schemes that resulted in false claims to Medicare and TRICARE, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.
The settlements resolve claims that health care providers received improper payments in exchange for referring patients to a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. The involved parties have also agreed to cooperate with ongoing federal investigations.
Among those settling are Dr. Gerald Congdon of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, who agreed to pay $400,000, and Dr. Gbenga Aluko of Charlotte, North Carolina, who will pay $250,000. Dr. Anup Banerjee of Gastonia, North Carolina, settled for $206,000. Marketer Omar Hussain and his company, Curis Healthcare Inc., agreed to pay $817,808, while Saeed Medical Group Ltd. will pay $240,000.
“Kickback schemes divert funds and focus away from patients and their medical needs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina.
Federal authorities emphasized that such schemes compromise patient care and the integrity of taxpayer-funded health programs.
Doctors and marketers accused of taking kickbacks for lab referrals will pay nearly $2 million in settlements, federal officials say.