Marietta, Ga.-based Northwest ENT Associates will pay about $1.2 million to settle alleged False Claims Act violations, according to a Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Here's what you should know:
1. The practice allegedly re-used single-use balloon catheters for sinus dilation procedures from March 1, 2011 to March 30, 2012.
2. Northwest ENT accepted responsibility for its actions and entered into a three-year integrity agreement with HHS' Office of the Inspector General. As a result, an independent organization will review all of the practice's claims quarterly to ensure they are properly submitted.
3. U.S. Attorney Byung Pak said, "When healthcare providers take shortcuts in order to increase their financial bottom line, their patients are put at risk and federal funds are diverted from legitimate medical procedures. This settlement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing healthcare providers who put their own financial well-being ahead of the well-being of their patients."
4. The settlement resolved the government's investigation of the center.
Editor's note: A representative of Northwest ENT Associates declined to comment.