Fresno’s largest healthcare system and an affiliated health care technology company must pay the federal government $31.5 million to resolve allegations that they provided expensive wine, liquor, cigars and meals to physicians in exchange for patient referrals.
The settlement announced Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California resolves allegations that Community Health System and Physician Network Advantage Inc. violated the False Claims Act.
“We cannot allow medical decisions to be distorted by kickback schemes or efforts to buy physicians’ loyalty with lucrative side perks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “This settlement demonstrates this Office’s commitment to ensuring that patients’ best interests remain paramount.”…