Whistleblower lawsuit could cost Ohio health system $424M

The federal government and Christ Hospital have reached a settlement in a whistleblower lawsuit that accused the hospital of giving cardiologists time at Christ's Heart Station between 1999 and 2004 based on both the number of coronary bypass procedures referred to the facility and catheter lab revenue generated. While terms have not been disclosed as of yet, Christ's liability could be as much as $123 million. Christ's former parent company, Health Alliance, could be on the hook for $424 million.

The suit was brought under whistleblower statutes by Dr. Harry Fry, who previously had provided service to Christ. The hospital insisted it had done nothing wrong, but settled to "avoid the risk of the multibillion-dollar award sought by the government."

If the parties do not finalize their agreement by March 30, the case can be reopened, according to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Fry hopes to receive compensation in the settlement.

For more information:
- check out this article in the Business Courier of Cincinnati

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