A radiologist is suing Portland, Ore.-based Northwest Permanente for $8.25 million after allegedly experiencing retaliation for reporting patient care fraud, according to a Nov. 1 Statesman Journal report.
Daniel Tarbox, MD, filed the lawsuit against the physician group Oct. 28 in Marion County, according to case records reviewed by Becker's.
Dr. Tarbox alleges he discovered a Northwest Permanente radiologist was using the credentials of their spouse to review and interpret imaging results. The couple resigned after Dr. Tarbox shared his discovery outside of the radiology department, and Dr. Tarbox alleges he experienced bullying and threats in retaliation for reporting the couple, the Statesman Journal report said.
"We highly value our employees and physicians and we are committed to keeping them safe in the workplace," a spokesperson for Northwest Permanente said in a statement shared with Becker's. "This includes protecting them from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We strongly dispute the claims in this case and will vigorously defend ourselves."
Northwest Permanente is part of Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente.