Recoveries skyrocket in Georgia thanks to focus on fraud

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia saw a dramatic spike in recoveries from fines, fees and settlements last year after devoting more resources toward healthcare fraud cases, according to The Telegraph.

The U.S. Attorney's Office brought in nearly $15 million in fiscal year 2015, more than the office had collected in the previous five years combined. All but $1 million was tied to civil claims, and the majority ($10.4 million) was linked to a September settlement with Columbus Regional Healthcare System. 

Officials say a conscientious focus on healthcare fraud enforcement over the last five years has led to the uptick in recoveries. Acting U.S. Attorney Pete Peterman told The Telegraph that recently resigned U.S. Attorney Michael Moore devoted more resources toward healthcare fraud, including five attorneys that work on healthcare fraud cases part time. Peterman added that the group is currently working on several cases that could surpass the Columbus settlement.

False Claims Act recoveries have dropped 40 percent nationwide in 2015, but civil claims are climbing thanks to the Office of Inspector General's new litigation team focusing on civil monetary penalties and exclusion cases. Former U.S. Attorney Bill Killian recently told FierceHealthPayer: Antifraud  that civil fraud claims increased five-fold during his five-year tenure in Tennessee. At the state level, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have devoted additional resources toward healthcare fraud task force teams.  

To learn more:
- read The Telegraph article

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