Jacksonville, Fla.-based Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has agreed to pay the federal government $4.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations, according to the Department of Justice.
The government alleged SOS submitted millions of dollars in fraudulent bills to federal healthcare programs. The orthopedic practice allegedly billed for services that were never provided or were not medically necessary.
SOS also certified it met certain meaningful use standards when the practice had not really met those standards, according to the DOJ.
Regarding the settlement, DOJ Special Agent in Charge Shimon Richmond said, "Obtaining tax dollars which Medicare providers are not entitled to impacts our entire healthcare system and the OIG will hold healthcare providers accountable who misrepresent services to boost profits."
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