Helena, Mont.-based St. Peter's Health will pay more than $10.8 million to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for oncology services.
Oncologist Thomas Weiner, MD, was employed at the system's cancer treatment center. The Department of Justice said that between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2020, St. Peters submitted claims based on Dr. Weiner's documentation for office visits that were coded at a higher level of services than was actually performed or did not meet the requirements of a significant, separately identifiable service. St. Peter's also allegedly compensated Dr. Weiner based on the false claims and that his salary was inconsistent with fair market value.
St. Peter's voluntarily self-disclosed the misconduct, conducted an internal investigation and assisted the DOJ's investigation.
The system has enhanced its corporate compliance program and agreed to pay the $10.8 million fine within 30 days of the agreement.