Press Release
Spencer Chiropractor to Pay $62,349 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Iowa
Elizabeth Kressin, D.C., from Spencer, Iowa, has agreed to pay $62,349 to resolve allegations she violated the False Claims Act by improperly billing the Medicaid system for medically unnecessary chiropractic procedures and for the treatment of conditions for which payment is not allowed, including bed wetting, colic and ear infections. The government alleged that Kressin caused the submission of the improper claims from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2015. The claims settled by the agreement are allegations only; there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability.
“The civil False Claims Act was created to serve as a tool for combating fraud, waste and abuse in federally funded programs,” emphasized Kevin W. Techau, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. Techau noted that this case puts providers on notice, indicating “This recovery sends the message that health care providers must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations when billing the United States Government for services, or they will face consequences.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement arose from an investigation led by the Department of Health and Human Resources and initiated by the State of Iowa’s Medicaid Program Integrity Unit. False Claims Act cases also arise under the qui tam, or whistleblower provision of the Act. Under those provisions, a private party may file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery.
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Updated September 24, 2015
Topic
Health Care Fraud
Component