From a Georgia health system agreeing to pay up to $35 million to settle False Claims Act and Stark Law allegations to a Colorado health system and a major insurer battling over a logo in court, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. Georgia health system inks $35M deal to settle Stark Law, False Claims Act allegations
Columbus (Ga.) Regional Healthcare System agreed to pay $25 million, which will be divided between the federal government and the state of Georgia, to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to government healthcare programs in violation of Stark Law. Under the agreement, the system also agreed to additional contingent payments not to exceed $10 million.
2. Judge clears way for House GOP lawsuit challenging ACA spending
A federal judge allowed House Republicans to move forward with part of a lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
3. Colorado health system, BCBS logo dispute lands in court
Denver-based Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking a declaratory judgment that the logo it uses for its hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities does not infringe or dilute any valid trademark of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
4. Chicago hospital sues to stop music festival over 'extreme' noise
Chicago-based St. Anthony Hospital filed a federal lawsuit to stop Riot Fest, a three-day concert festival, from taking place. The hospital subsequently agreed to drop its lawsuit.
5. Former Highmark CEO hits health insurer with $32M lawsuit
Kenneth Melani, MD, who previously served as president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based Highmark, filed a $32 million lawsuit against his former employer.
6. Husband and wife physicians convicted of healthcare fraud
Paramjit Singh Ajrawat, MD, and his wife, Sukhveen Kaur Ajrawat, MD, were convicted Sept. 4 of healthcare and wire fraud, obstruction of justice and aggravated identity theft.
7. Illinois dermatologist sentenced to 7 years in prison
A dermatologist with a practice in Lombard, Ill., was sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding Medicare and private insurers by submitting false claims for thousands of patients that totaled more than $3.7 million.
More articles on health law:
5 recent False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law settlements
Whistle-blower claims 2 NC hospitals bilked Medicare for millions; government bows out of lawsuit
Federal judge rules antitrust lawsuit against UPMC, Highmark can move forward