From a physician sentenced to more than five years in prison for billing fraud to a fake nurse submitting thousands of false Medicaid claims, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits making headlines.
1. California physician sentenced to 5+ years in prison for billing fraud
A California physician and family medical practice owner was sentenced to more than five years in prison for healthcare fraud and submitting false claims to health insurers.
2. Erlanger sues TennCare, claims state Medicaid program puts insurers before safety-net hospitals
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System filed a lawsuit against Tennessee's managed Medicaid program, claiming TennCare underpays safety-net hospitals for emergency care to "enrich insurance companies."
3. Fake nurse in Maryland submitted thousands of false Medicaid claims, authorities say
A Maryland woman allegedly pretended to be a licensed nurse for more than four years to defraud Medicaid.
4. MetroHealth sues opioid makers to recoup addiction care costs
Cleveland-based MetroHealth is suing opioid manufacturers, including Purdue Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals, in an effort to reclaim care costs for overdose and opioid-addicted patients.
5. Blue Cross: North Carolina hospital engaged in a '$76M health insurance swindle'
The legal battle between a North Carolina hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina continued with new court filings Aug. 20.
6. Ex-Butler Health System COO allegedly misappropriated funds
Officials at Butler (Pa.) Health System notified state and federal investigators about possible misappropriation of funds by one of its former executives.
7. U of Iowa ordered to pay $21.5M to children's hospital contractor
A judge ordered Iowa City-based University of Iowa to pay the contractor of its new Stead Family Children's Hospital and Hancher Auditorium $21.5 million, plus hundreds of thousands of additional dollars in interest.
8. Insys can't escape Aetna lawsuit alleging opioid fraud
Insys Therapeutics must face a lawsuit filed by Aetna that accuses the pharmaceutical company of defrauding the insurer into paying claims for the wrong type of opioid, a federal judge ruled Aug. 24.
9. Former CDC director arrested on sexual misconduct allegations
Tom Frieden, MD, former director of the CDC, was arrested Aug. 24 on allegations of forcible touching, sex abuse and harassment.
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