LSU medical center to pay $700,000 to settle fraud suit

Posted: Jul 2, 2009 9:13 AM
Updated: Jul 2, 2009 10:00 AM

LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport will pay more than $700,000 to settle allegations it defrauded Medicare by billing for medical services that were never provided by teaching physicians, the U.S. Attorney's office here said.

A federal investigation found the medical center between 1995 and 2005 routinely submitted claims for payment to Medicare on behalf of doctors who falsely reported they helped orthopedic residents during surgery, U.S. Attorney Donald Washington said.

"Numerous teaching physicians in the orthopedic department falsely claimed to have participated in orthopedic surgery cases performed by residents. In many cases, the teaching physician was not present as required," Washington said.

The settlement was filed under the Federal False Claims Act, a civil law that allows the government to recoup money obtained through fraud and misrepresentation. It also allows individuals who witnessed fraud to sue on behalf of the United States and share a portion of any money recovered.

No criminal charges were filed in the case.

The fraud was exposed by William Overdyke, a former teaching physician in LSU's orthopedic department, and Susan Belgard Hodnett, a registered nurse, Washington said.

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  • Avatar for Vicki
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    Vicki at Jul 2nd 2009 9:49 AM

    Thank you Dr. Overdyke and Ms. Hodnett for having the honesty and courage to expose wrong doing.  Hats off!!!!!

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