Evergreen Reporter

Gerald Congdon, M.D., Gbenga Aluko, M.D., and Anup Banerjee, M.D., along with their respective medical practices, have agreed to a settlement totaling $1,913,808. This agreement resolves allegations of False Claims Act violations related to their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Curis Healthcare Inc., Omar Hussain, and Saeed Medical Group Ltd. were also part of the settlement.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits financial incentives that may influence healthcare providers' referrals for services covered by federally funded programs like Medicare and TRICARE. The aim is to prevent decisions motivated by improper financial gain rather than patient care.

Dr. Gerald Congdon and his practices will pay $400,000 following allegations of receiving disguised payments from a South Carolina laboratory for testing orders between May 2016 and November 2021. Dr. Gbenga Aluko will pay $250,000 under similar allegations from the same timeframe. Dr. Anup Banerjee has agreed to a $206,000 payment concerning claims from April 2017 to November 2021.

Omar Hussain and Curis Healthcare Inc. are settling for $817,808 due to commissions received as independent contractors based on referrals between April 2020 and August 2021. Saeed Medical Group Ltd., along with Hussain's company, will contribute an additional $240,000 related to cash payments exchanged for testing orders during the same period.

Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews stated: “Integrity must be the standard in our health care system.” Steve Jensen from the FBI highlighted that these settlements serve as a reminder of accountability in the medical field.

Kelly Blackmon of HHS-OIG emphasized safeguarding taxpayer-funded healthcare against such schemes while Christopher Dillard from DCIS reiterated the importance of addressing collusive financial relationships undermining trust.

These settlements result from coordinated efforts involving various government entities including HHS-OIG, DCIS, and the FBI. The handling was overseen by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren.

This case underscores ongoing governmental efforts to combat healthcare fraud through tools like the False Claims Act. Allegations remain unproven as no liability determination has been made.