According to Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, the government alleges that Fry and CPC Associates submitted improper Medicare claims for psychiatric services provided over the phone rather than in person. Some types of telehealth services are permitted by Medicare, but only in rural areas with a health professional shortage.
Former patient Jodi Cohen will receive $6,239 of the settlement under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, according to Daly.
The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services investigated the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders prosecuted the case.
People who suspect health care fraud can report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or 203-777-6311.
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