The United States Department of Justice recently filed a complaint in intervention alleging violations of the False Claims Act by Clarksville Pain Institute, LLC, Pain Institute of Nashville, PLC, Michael Cox, and Debbie Cox, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The government began investigating the alleged wrongdoing in response to a lawsuit filed by Halunen Law and Morgan Verkamp, LLC of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA). Under the FCA, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.
The complaint alleges that the defendants put profit before patients through illegal activities that include subjecting patients to unreasonable and unnecessary testing that was then billed to federal health care programs, and other billing abuses. In some instances, the complaint alleges that patients had to agree to undergo the unnecessary testing if they wanted to receive their pain medications. Moreover, the defendants are alleged to have ignored multiple warnings from consultants, auditors, and insurers that their billing practices did not comport with Medicare requirements.
“We are pleased the United States has intervened in this case and will pursue justice on behalf of the clinic patients and our client, while also recouping United States taxpayers’ funds gained through medical fraud,” said Halunen Law FCA Attorney Susan Coler. “This case demonstrates the power of a single whistleblower stepping forward, courageously challenging an employer’s illegal practices, and bringing the full force of the government to rectify the wrongdoing. Halunen Law is proud to have initiated this case, and we look forward to holding the defendants accountable for their actions.”
Read the U.S. Attorney’s Office Press Release on this Case
About Halunen Law: Offering experienced representation to employees and whistleblowers nationwide, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful law firm focused on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. See halunenlaw.com.
