HCA Settles financial violation Complaint for $16.5 Million
In this case, two subsidiaries of the Nashville-based hospital chain gave financial benefits to Diagnostic Associates of Chattanooga, a physicians group, in an effort to get more patient referrals to HCA facilities. The financial transactions in 2007 involved HCA Physician Services in Nashville and Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga. Officials stated that rental payments for offices leased from the physicians’ group went above fair market value. Federal law does not permit the payment of medical claims that result from financial relationships between hospitals and the physicians who may refer patients to them.
A spokesman for Parkridge Medical Center stated that, “We are pleased the matter is concluded, and we will diligently fulfill the terms of the corporate integrity agreement.” HCA did not admit any guilt in their settlement with the Justice Department for $16.5 million. This case developed as the result of a whistle blower lawsuit filed in East Tennessee. The whistle blower will receive an 18.5 percent share of the settlement money.
In Tennessee and all across the country, sometimes business and or individual employees are involved in business practices that are unethical and sometimes even illegal. If you or someone you work with knows about these practices and would like to file a complaint without fear of being terminated, then it is important that you speak to a Tennessee employment lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case, discuss your legal options with you and help you decide if you have a claim and can make a case.
Cases just like this one occur all too often all across the country and even with Tennessee employees and businesses. If you or someone you work with notices unethical or illegal business practices going on in your workplace, we encourage you to contact one of our compassionate and knowledgeable Tennessee whistle blower attorneys right away. We care about our clients and will work with you to see if you have a claim and may be entitled to any compensation for that claim.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
