San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/13/2017 -- The Whistleblower Institute announces that five Hospice Companies reached a $12.2 million settlement in a whistleblower lawsuit over paid kickbacks in exchange for referrals.

Those who have a similar case or experienced a similar situation or any other wrongdoing within a corporation have certain options and should contact the Whistleblower Institute at mail@whistleblowerinstitute.com or call: 619-452–1218. There are no costs or obligations to you.

The allegations arose from a lawsuit that claimed International Tutoring Services LLC, formerly known as International Tutoring Services Inc and doing business as Hospice Plus; Goodwin Hospice LLC; Phoenix Hospice LP; Hospice Plus LP; and Curo Health Services LLC, formerly known as Curo Health Services Inc, agreed to settle the case that claimed the companies violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals

Reportedly, these allegations were brought forward by several whistleblowers claiming that two different schemes allowed the hospice companies to file false claims to Medicare and Texas Medicaid.

According to the Department of Justice, first alleged scheme was from 2007 through 2012, kickbacks were allegedly paid to American Physician Housecalls, a physician housecall company, in exchange for patient referrals to these hospice companies. The alleged kickbacks took the form of sham loans, a free equity interest in another entity, stock dividends, and free rental space. Second, from 2007 through 2014, kickbacks were allegedly paid to medical providers, including doctors and nurses as well as hospitals and long-term care facilities, in exchange for patient referrals to these hospice companies. The alleged kickbacks took the form of cash, gift cards, and other valuable items.

"We will not tolerate the payment of illegal kickbacks, which unjustly drive up the cost of health care," said U.S. Attorney Parker. "Any health care provider who seeks to profit illegally at the expense of federal beneficiaries and taxpayers will face consequences."

Both cases were filed as qui tam cases in Dallas, Texas, permitting private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery.

Hospice care in the United States is a type and philosophy of end of life care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms.

The Whistleblower Institute is an information portal for current or former employees and other people having insight information about wrongdoing and other illegal activities by individuals either individually or within corporations, through company culture and or within international affairs. Whistleblowers should keep in mind that under the Dodd-Frank Act any person who provides the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") with original information that leads to a successful enforcement action with over $1 million recovered must be awarded between 10%-30% of the total amount recovered. In order to determine the total amount of the reward there are numerous factors that need to be considered. Whistleblower actions are complex and our goal is to guide any whistleblower every step of the way. The Whistleblower Institute is dedicated to partnering with any individual who have information about fraud and we work with many of the best law firms worldwide.

Those who have a similar case or experienced a similar situation or any other wrongdoing within a corporation have certain options and should contact the Whistleblower Institute.

Contact:
Whistleblower Institute
2534 State Street - Suite 406
San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Phone: +1 (619) 452–1218
Facsimile: +1 (619) 785 – 3185
Email: mail@whistleblowerinstitute.com

The material was prepared by the Whistleblower Institute for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. The information is provided only as general information which may or may not reflect the most currently available public information, is not provided as a basis for any established or existing relationship, and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice, or to substitute for obtaining such advice from an attorney or other advisor licensed in your state.