San Diego, CA -- (SBWire) -- 09/07/2017 --The Whistleblower Institute announces that Quest Diagnostics Inc reached a $6 million settlement in a False Claims Act lawsuit over paid kickbacks to physicians and patients to induce the use of Berkeley for blood testing services and by charging for medically unnecessary tests.
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 Berkeley HeartLab Inc, violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to physicians and patients to induce the use of Berkeley for blood testing services and by charging for medically unnecessary tests. Quest Diagnostics acquired Berkeley in 2011.
According to the government's complaint, Berkeley allegedly paid kickbacks to referring physicians disguised as "process and handling" fees. Also, the complaint alleged that Berkeley paid kickbacks to patients by routinely waiving copayments owed by certain patients who were legally required to pay for part of their tests. Allegedly, Berkeley paid the kickbacks to induce both the physicians and patients who received them to choose Berkeley over other laboratories. The government's complaint further alleged that these illegal practices resulted in medically unnecessary cardiovascular tests being charged to federal healthcare programs.
"We rely on doctors to provide honest, independent recommendations regarding clinical testing," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "Companies that pay kickbacks to referring doctors corrupt those doctors' independence, leaving patients vulnerable to expensive and unnecessary testing."
Whistleblowers share of the settlement with Quest Diagnostics has not been determined.
Based in Madison, New Jersey, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing information and services in the United States and internationally.
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
$6 Million Settlement over a False Claims Act Allegations Against Quest Diagnostics Inc Announced by Whistleblower Institute
The Whistleblower Institute announces that Quest Diagnostics Inc reached a $6 million settlement in a False Claims Act lawsuit.