In a recent fraud alert, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced that it recently reached settlements with 12 physicians in “questionable medical directorship and office staff arrangements.” The OIG is particularly concerned with medical director arrangements that could result in violation of the anti-kickback statute.
The alert describes a number of ways that health care entities could be encouraging physician referrals, including increased reimbursement (above fair market value) and payment of front office staff salaries. The alert encourages physicians to review all terms and conditions of medical directorship arrangements. Reviewing any agreements with a health care attorney can help ensure that the salary and other compensation does not violate the law.
