July 20, 2011

ALPHA SLEEP DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SETTLES ALLEGATIONS OF SUBMITTING IMPROPER CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT TO MEDICARE

DENVER – Alpha Sleep Diagnostic Centers, LLC, and its subsidiaries, Beta Sleep Diagnostic Centers, Gamma Sleep Diagnostic Centers, Delta Sleep Diagnostic Centers, and Aurora Sleep Diagnostic Centers have paid $67,500 to the United States to settle allegations that the company inappropriately billed Medicare for conducting sleep studies.

Alpha Sleep Diagnostic Centers, LLC and its subsidiaries provide sleep studies, which are used to diagnose sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.  The Medicare program reimburses medical providers for sleep studies only when the studies are conducted by licensed sleep technologists.  The United States alleged that Alpha Sleep submitted claims for payment to the Medicare program to receive compensation for studies conducted by unlicensed sleep technologists.  Specifically, Alpha Sleep used uncertified sleep technologists during the period of January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009.  Alpha Sleep agreed to pay the United States $67,500 to resolve these allegations. 

This agreement is neither an admission of facts or liability by Alpha Sleep, nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well-founded. 

“Medicare dollars are taxpayer dollars.  Companies doing business with Medicare must be in complete compliance with its rules and regulations.  If a company does not follow the rules, in order to protect the taxpayer, we will take action to ensure there are financial consequences,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.

“The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is committed to the protection of taxpayers and beneficiaries of the Medicare program against fraud, waste and abuse.  The HHS OIG appreciates the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado in the fight against healthcare fraud.  The submission of false claims by Medicare providers adversely impacts the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to receive adequate and professional service.  The HHS OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and apply the law to the extent necessary to safeguard the Medicare Trust Fund,” said Leslie W. Hollie, Special Agent in Charge, HHS OIG.

This matter was investigated by Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General.  It was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcy Cook.

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