A years-long federal investigation concluded last month with an Atlanta-area-based medical company agreeing to pay a $325,000 settlement for Medicare fraud-related allegations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Nov. 1 that the settlement involves Infectious Disease Consultants of Georgia (IDC), based in Lawrenceville and with six locations in the Atlanta-metro area. An infusion clinic that treats severe diseases, IDC allegedly submitted numerous bills to Medicare for services conducted by unlicensed and unapproved workers.
Treatment provided by unlicensed workers
The allegations were in clear violation of the False Claims Act, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The U.S. Department of Justice noted that Medicare only pays for medical services provided by licensed and pre-approved professionals and that IDC failed to follow proper protocol.
It was noted that IDC cooperated during the investigation and agreed on settling the claims that remain considered simply as allegations and not necessarily an admission of guilt.
The Georgia medical service company provides infusion therapy also known as IV therapy as a treatment for severe and chronic diseases, including pneumonia, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The process involves administering treatment intravenously.
These companies must understand the rules
Many health care companies and providers such as IDC provide crucial life-saving and life-prolonging treatment to patients. Such treatment remains crucial for patients’ physical and mental well-being. However, these companies must follow federal guidelines and understand all rules pertaining to Medicare.
