Hilo Medical Center

Hilo, HI: (Aug-09-07) The US Department of Health and Human Services brought charges against Hilo Medical Center, alleging that the facility failed to comply with federal laws governing a contract with Dr. Anthony Lim, a hospital physician. The contract discrepancies were discovered by hospital authorities in a 2003 internal audit and disclosed to the federal agency, as required by law, according to a staff memorandum released by the hospital. According to the contract, the hospital agreed to pay Lim $94,000 as medical director of the oncology division in the July 2001 contract. It also agreed to pay Lim 20% of payments received for prescribed chemotherapy drugs. The audit found that drug reimbursements were reduced to 15% in the second year of the contract and limited to specific drugs. There is no evidence that Lim provided any services as medical director. Physician contracts are covered by federal laws that regulate compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs and other health care programs.

In a settlement reached, Hilo Medical Center agreed to pay a fine totaling $774,542 for failing to comply with federal laws. The fines were paid to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the settlement. As part of the settlement, the hospital will be required to establish procedures to ensure that arrangements with physicians and other health care providers comply with federal laws. It must provide staff training and maintain a compliance program. [STAR BULLETIN: DOCTOR CONTRACT]

Legal Help

If you have a similar problem and would like to be contacted by a lawyer at no cost or obligation, please click the link below.
Published on Aug-11-07