On July 30, 2021, the United States Department of Justice took action against Kaiser Permanente, joining six lawsuits filed by whistleblowers from inside the organization itself. The federal suit claims that Kaiser knowingly defrauded Medicare by billing for diagnoses it did not treat, and that it pressured physicians into modifying patient records. As of October 25, Kaiser had not yet responded to the DOJ complaint.
“Today’s action sends a clear message that we will hold health care providers and plans accountable if they seek to game the system by submitting false information,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sarah E. Harrington.
You can read more about the suit here:
- DOJ joins lawsuits alleging Kaiser Permanente committed Medicare fraud, Healthcare Dive
- US Sues Kaiser Permanente over alleged Medicare Fraud, San Diego Union-Tribune
- The government lawsuit against Kaiser points to a massive fraud problem in Medicare, LA Times
- Government Intervenes in False Claims Act Lawsuits Against Kaiser Permanente, US Department of Justice
You can also read the Department of Justice’s complaint in its own words.
Do you suspect Kaiser Permanente might be misrepresenting your patient record? Learn what to do here.