An Arizona medical company that serves thousands of cancer patients is battling a federal lawsuit alleging that it ripped off Medicare and other government programs with millions of dollars in fraudulent charges.
The whistleblower complaint moving through U.S. District Court says principals at Arizona Center for Cancer Care improperly collected nearly $8 million from U.S. health care agencies since 2011.
The lawsuit alleges AZCCC engaged in double billing, charged for unnecessary medical services and overcharged for testing and treatments.
The Peoria-based company, known legally as Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology PLC, has 35 offices in Maricopa County, with 65 physicians specializing in oncology, urology, hematology and gynecological oncology. The company advertises treating more than 30,000 patients.
The civil action was filed in 2016 under the federal False Claims Act by the company’s billing manager, who asserts that he repeatedly warned AZCCC its charging methods were improper and excessive.
Civil charges of Medicare fraud can lead to criminal charges as well. Health care providers found to have committed Medicare fraud face pretty severe penalties and major consequences. In most cases, offenders will be required to repay the overpayments, along with hefty fines. Criminal prosecution by the federal government is also highly likely. The usual prison term is up to five years for each offense, which can add up to a lot very quick.
Our Florida Medicare Fraud Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton defend patients, doctors, medical clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facility personnel, and all other healthcare personnel accused of filing fraudulent Medicare claims for supposed non-qualifying health care services. We know Medicare fraud is one of the most serious charges a health care provider may ever face.