Brockton Urology Clinic to Settle False Claims Allegations

EASTON — A urology clinic in North Easton has agreed to pay $100,000 to settle allegations that it violated federal health care laws resulting in false Medicare claims.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said this week that Brockton Urology Clinic made an agreement with a Massachusetts hospital to administer a prostate cancer center there in 2011.

Brockton Urology admits the hospital never created a prostate cancer program, and the clinic never provided a physician to direct it.

But according to the office, from April 2011 through December 2017, the clinic referred patients to the hospital and the hospital paid the clinic (per their agreement) and billed Medicare for the services.

Get our free mobile app

The U.S. government contends that this represents an illegal financial relationship between Brockton Urology and the hospital that resulted in false Medicare claims.

A spokesperson for Brockton Urology could not immediately be reached for comment.

“Strict adherence to federal laws and regulations concerning the administration of our health care system is critical,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins.

“These safeguards are designed to protect the United States government from waste, fraud, and abuse," she continued. "Our office and its law-enforcement partners are vigilant in our efforts to stop anyone — hospitals, corporations, and even physician practices — that might be cutting corners and failing to follow our health care laws.”

“This settlement sends a clear message that these types of financial arrangements will not be tolerated,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.