The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Christ Hospital has paid almost $1.8 million to the federal government to settle a whistleblower lawsuit that alleged that medical tests were not being read by the hospital. In addition, the hospital faces increased federal oversight following the settlement with the U.S. Justice Department last month.
The former medical director of vascular lab services for the hospital blew the whistle on the hospital, claiming that tests for as many as 8,000 patients were not read properly before a physician signed them and Medicare was charged. The tests in question were designed to identify blockages, blood clots, and aneurysms in patients. The former employee stated that the hospital failed to adhere to its own internal procedures and put patients at risk.
In a statement released by the hospital, it was reported that a chief compliance officer has been hired to make certain that procedures are followed.
For more information concerning government fraud and whistleblower litigation, contact the Ohio whistleblower attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.
Source: NBC4i, “Ohio Hospital Pays $1.8 Million to Settle Lawsuit,” Associated Press, July 12, 2012.