Former Jacksonville Chief Financial Officer Resolves Healthcare Fraud Allegations For $100,000

Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces today that Scott Quinn, the former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, a Jacksonville-based orthopedic medical group, has agreed to pay the government $100,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.

According to the settlement agreement, while Quinn was employed at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, he was responsible for overseeing operations and the financial performance of the practice. The United States contends that it has certain civil claims against Quinn arising from his role in billing, or causing to be billed to federal healthcare programs, certain services that Quinn knew or should have known were not medically necessary and reasonable. Specifically, between May 2013 and September 29, 2016, Quinn routinely sought, or caused to be submitted for reimbursement, certain claims for ultrasound-guided injections even in the absence of medical necessity. These claims were not appropriately billable to the Medicare program. As part of today’s settlement, Quinn is agreeing to pay the United States $100,000 for his conduct.

Last year, the United States announced a False Claims Act settlement against Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. At that time, the company agreed to repay the United States $4.48 million to resolve allegations that it had violated the False Claims Act.

“The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General will relentlessly seek to hold corporate officers who defraud the Medicare program personally accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon Richmond. “Obtaining tax dollars which Medicare providers are not entitled to impacts our entire healthcare system and the OIG will pursue company executives who misrepresent services to boost profits.”

This settlement is part of the Department of Justice’s focus on identifying specific individuals who participate or further financial fraud. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has prioritized holding individuals accountable for corporate malfeasance.

The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.