Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, LLC has agreed to pay $7 million to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare, TRICARE, and Federal Employee Health Benefit Programs. Two former employees brought a whistleblower or qui tam lawsuit against the company under the False Claims Act. The whistleblowers alleged that the company provided services to multiple patients simultaneously, but then billed the government at the much higher rate for services provided by a physical therapist to one patient at a time. The False Claims Act allows individuals to file healthcare fraud lawsuits on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. In this case, the two whistleblowers will share 24% of the settlement payment, or approximately $1.7 million. This reward is based on the amount and quality of evidence the whistleblowers brought to the government, as well as their willingness to help the government during an investigation of their claims. As this case illustrates, whistleblowers are essential to the government’s efforts to crack down on multi-million dollar frauds. Without the help of whistleblowers, it is virtually impossible for the government to uncover this type of fraud. Only insiders know both what type of treatment the patients received and how that treatment was billed to the government. If you have evidence of false claims submitted to Medicare or Medicaid, then you should consult with an experienced whistleblower lawyer immediately. You will help stop fraud and waste in the healthcare system. You may also be entitled to legal protections and a substantial financial reward as a whistleblower. Do not delay. There are strict time limits and procedural requirements to claim a whistleblower reward. Call John Howley, Esq. at (212) 601-2728 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced whistleblower lawyer. John Howley, Esq. The Howley Law Firm P.C. 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor New York, New York 10118 (212) 601-2728
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