The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced on July 5, 2016 that it settled health care fraud claims against Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, LLC (“Drayer”).  Drayer has more than 135 locations in South Carolina and 14 other states from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma.  The United States accused Drayer of submitting claims to Medicare, TRICARE, and Federal Employee Health Benefit Programs for services being provided to multiple patients simultaneously as though the services were being provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to one patient at a time.

Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake said, “Whistleblower cases are important to the integrity of the health care system.  These civil actions – targeted to routing out fraud and abuse – protect tax payers and patients by ensuring that health care decisions are made according to medical science and not based on dollar signs.” The two whistleblowers will receive 24% of the settlement proceeds.

“Health care companies must bill taxpayer-funded health programs honestly,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Those engaging in deceptive billing practices can expect our aggressive investigation to recover inappropriately obtained funds.” http://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article87995547.html

False billing in physical therapy robs taxpayers and rewards fraudsters.  More information for whistleblowers is located at the Nolan Auerbach & White website.