A federal judge this week ordered Tuomey Healthcare Systems in South Carolina to pay $276.7 million over filing false Medicare claims, according to WLTX. This spring a federal jury determined Tuomey entered into part-time agreements with doctors to get referral fees associated with those physicians' procedures, which is considered an illegal kickback under Medicare law. The article states Tuomey asked for a new trial but Judge Margaret Seymour denied the motion and ruled in favor of the original defendant in the case--Michael K. Drakeford, M.D., for $39 million and the $237 million in federal damages. Tuomey disagrees with the ruling and plans to file a notice of appeal, John Brabham, chairman of the board of trustees, told WLTX. Article