> A physician assistant at the South Dallas Community Medical Center pleaded guilty to Medicare and Medicaid fraud involving prescription drugs and diagnostic testing, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas announced Tuesday. Cal Graves faces a maximum of five years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine and restitution. Announcement
> Thanks to poor billing controls, Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del., did not fully comply with Medicare billing requirements for 120 of 281 claims reviewed, leading to $641,000 in overpayments between 2008 and 2010, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) said in an audit report released today. Report
> Martin's Point Health Care and Mercy Health System in Maine and Mount Carmel Health Partners in Ohio partnered with Cigna in another provider-payer accountable care organization, the insurer announced today. These coordinated care initiatives follow Cigna's first ACO in California, announced earlier this week. Announcement
> Mississippi-based Singing River received $516,000 in Medicare overpayments between 2008 and 2010 because it did not have adequate controls to prevent incorrect billings and staff didn't fully understand Medicare billing requirements, according to an audit released today by OIG. Report
And Finally… No such thing as the five-second rule. Statement