Medical practice gets $75k false claims assessment for botched use of after-hours code
A Connecticut pediatric practice will pay $74,644 to settle False Claims allegations related to patient visits. Pediatric Healthcare Associates, which has offices throughout the state, used a special services code to bill for after-hours visits. However, the add-on code (CPT code 99050) can be used only when such visits occur during hours when a practice is usually closed. The visits in question took place during the practice's normal office hours -- albeit hours that extended to weekends, and until 9 p.m. during weeknights, according to acting U.S. Attorney Nora Dannehy.
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