Four Kaiser health care companies have agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle allegations they improperly billed for teaching physicians' services. Federal prosecutors said from 1996 through 2002 Kaiser falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid for services the companies said had been provided by teaching physicians.

Originally published Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:49 PM

Kaiser to pay $3.75 million in false billing case

The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO —

Four Kaiser health care companies have agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle allegations they improperly billed for teaching physicians' services.

Federal prosecutors said from 1996 through 2002 Kaiser falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid for services the companies said had been provided by teaching physicians.

The government alleges the services were actually provided by resident physicians without a teaching physician's supervision.

Kaiser voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office. The settlement was announced Thursday.

The Kaiser companies involved are Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., The Permanente Medical Group and Southern California Permanente Medical Group.

SOURCE The Associated Press/The Seattle Times

Read the full article here.