HCA Settles financial violation Complaint for $16.5 Million

In this case, two subsidiaries of the Nashville-based hospital chain gave financial benefits to Diagnostic Associates of Chattanooga, a physicians group, in an effort to get more patient referrals to HCA facilities. The financial transactions in 2007 involved HCA Physician Services in Nashville and Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga. Officials stated that rental payments for offices leased from the physicians’ group went above fair market value. Federal law does not permit the payment of medical claims that result from financial relationships between hospitals and the physicians who may refer patients to them.

A spokesman for Parkridge Medical Center stated that, “We are pleased the matter is concluded, and we will diligently fulfill the terms of the corporate integrity agreement.” HCA did not admit any guilt in their settlement with the Justice Department for $16.5 million. This case developed as the result of a whistle blower lawsuit filed in East Tennessee. The whistle blower will receive an 18.5 percent share of the settlement money.

In Tennessee and all across the country, sometimes business and or individual employees are involved in business practices that are unethical and sometimes even illegal. If you or someone you work with knows about these practices and would like to file a complaint without fear of being terminated, then it is important that you speak to a Tennessee employment lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case, discuss your legal options with you and help you decide if you have a claim and can make a case.

Cases just like this one occur all too often all across the country and even with Tennessee employees and businesses. If you or someone you work with notices unethical or illegal business practices going on in your workplace, we encourage you to contact one of our compassionate and knowledgeable Tennessee whistle blower attorneys right away. We care about our clients and will work with you to see if you have a claim and may be entitled to any compensation for that claim.