Berg & Androphy: $5 Million Settlement in False Claims Act Case Against Health Services Management and Huntsville Health Care Center
HOUSTON, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel M. Androphy and Janis Gorton of the Berg & Androphy law firm, along with the United States and the State of Texas, have reached a $5 million settlement in False Claims Act litigation against Health Services Management, Inc. (HSM) and Huntsville Health Care Center (HHCC).
The case, filed on behalf of the U.S. and state, alleged that HSM and HHCC billed Medicare and Texas Medicaid for services, which were not rendered or were so deficient and substandard that they harmed nursing home patients and were essentially worthless services. The settlement netted the Government and client more than $4.5 million.
According to the whistleblower's complaint, HHCC allegedly failed to provide adequate care to the state's neediest and most vulnerable patients, including proper infection prevention and treatment, basic hygiene, and nutritional services. According to the government, the investigation concluded that from Jan. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2015, Huntsville Health Care Center billed for services that were not provided or which were so substandard and deficient that they were considered worthless and potentially harmful to specific Huntsville patients. In addition to the $5 million settlement, the parties' agreement requires HSM to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of the Inspector General.
The case is United States and the State of Texas ex rel. Susan Anthony v. Health Services Management, Inc. and Huntsville Health Care Center, No. H-15-2291, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Jill Venezia was the Assistant U.S. Attorney heading the investigation for the government.
About Berg & Androphy
Berg & Androphy, based in Houston, Texas, with offices in New York, and by appointment only in satellite offices in Washington, D.C., Denver, and Miami, has a nationwide qui tam practice representing whistleblowers in many large fraud cases, including health care, real estate, financial fraud, and defense contractor fraud cases. The trial lawyers at Berg & Androphy are currently litigating numerous qui tam lawsuits without government intervention. Joel Androphy supervises a team of trial lawyers in this practice area.
Contact: Joel Androphy and Janis Gorton, Berg & Androphy, (713) 529-5622.
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