The allegations relate to claims for endoscopic sinus surgeries. The United States alleges that the claims submitted for the subject procedures were improper either because they did not meet the applicable medical necessity standard or were otherwise incorrectly coded for payment.
“Medical providers who perform unnecessary procedures or wrongfully code claims violate the public trust,” said Peter E. Deegan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “This settlement is another indication of our office’s dedication to vigorous enforcement of the False Claims Act and our unyielding effort to protect patients, save taxpayer money, and ensure a fair marketplace for honest practitioners.”
In addition to agreeing to pay the $1,000,000 settlement, Dr. Wellendorf also entered into an Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. That agreement requires Dr. Wellendorf to engage in enhanced compliance measures for the next three years.
“Medically unnecessary services pose potential harm to patients and place needless burdens on taxpayers who fund government health programs,” said Curt Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “HHS OIG entered into an integrity agreement requiring Dr. Wellendorf submit to three years of intensive quarterly monitoring by an independent review organization.”
The matter arose from an affirmative investigation. False Claims Act cases can also be brought under the qui tam provisions of the Act, which encourage whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any financial recovery.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the State of Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
9 thoughts on “Northwest Iowa otolaryngologist agrees to pay $1,000,000 to resolve Medicaid false claims allegations”
Goes on all the time. Look how they “REFER” you to another doctor for no reason other than to jack up the bill.
doesn’t say just how much he raked in over the yrs. wish I could find away to get millions from the government and then satisfy them by giving a million back., he really got punished didn’t he
Imagine that, a doctor falsifying claims, for personnel gain. Just one of many, caught.
Always generalizing with no facts to back up your baloney
I live in real time reality, there’s corruption everywhere when it comes to money. If you can’t see that, somebody needs to burst the bubble that you live in. Take your blinders off, so you can see the whole picture, not just the fantasy world you live in. Also, I’m still waiting for your answer on your last accusing comment.
So how many physicians in Iowa are charged with and found guilty of Medicare Fraud? Dont just cop out with your usual generalizations, conspiracy theories and baseless comments. Put up or shut up with a few facts please.
Some haven’t been caught yet, but these have.
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2016/06/23/Doctors-and-Nurses-Charged-Massive-900-Million-Medicare-Fraud
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/13/us/politics/health-care-fraud.html
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/6-michigan-doctors-charged-in-health-care-fraud-conspiracy-after-fisher-building-raid
https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/slideshow/biggest-healthcare-frauds-2017-running-list
https://publicintegrity.org/health/how-doctors-and-hospitals-have-collected-billions-in-questionable-medicare-fees/
I’m still waiting for your answer!!!!!
The question to you was….So how many physicians in Iowa are charged with and found guilty of Medicare Fraud?
So how long is your rant going to continue? My original comment, “Imagine that, a doctor falsifying claims, for personnel gain. Just one of many, caught.” did not specify any state or area, but in general. And it was my opinion, and we all know what opinions are like, don’t we? My advise to you is, don’t read any of my posts/comments, then your panties won’t bunch up in your concha.