WOODSTOCK, Ga. — A Woodstock pain management doctor agreed to pay a pricey fee to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
James Ellner, M.D., and his pain management practice, Georgia Pain Management P.C., and ambulatory surgical center Samson Pain Center, agreed to pay $625,000 to resolve allegations of violating the false claims act and improper claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Georgia said these improper claims were due to ‘evaluation and management services and medically unnecessary urine drug screening tests.’
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“Health care fraud abuse like this case erodes the trust patients have in the health care system,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Government subsidized programs like Medicare help protect the healthcare needs of deserving Americans and the FBI is determined to work with our partners to prevent people from illegally profiting off of them.”
Officials said these false claims occurred between May 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019, and that none of the claims were reimbursable.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Woman arrested for dancing on top of APD car as hundreds of people gather in busy intersection
- PHOTOS: Severe storms leave behind large pieces of hail Sunday
- Second bridge over Georgia 400 set to close Monday morning for demolition
Officials alleged that Ellner and Georgia Pain entered into an arrangement that violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, meaning the lab paid the salary of someone who worked for free at Georgia Pain in exchange for Ellner’s referral of urine drug tests. many of which were medically unnecessary.
The whistleblower will receive $118,000 from the settlement, according to officials.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
IN OTHER NEWS:
©2022 Cox Media Group
