Hawaii hospital settles lawsuits alleging improper billing

Wahiawa General Hospital, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, has agreed to pay about $450,000 to settle lawsuits alleging improper billing, the Associated Press (AP) reported last week. An investigation began after a physician alleged the hospital submitted bills for services provided by resident physicians without the level of supervision required by federal law. Authorities alleged the hospital wrongfully submitted claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and the military's TRICARE healthcare program.

Although the hospital agreed to settle the lawsuits, it doesn't admit liability, the U.S. Attorney's office noted. The physician who initiated the lawsuits will receive nearly $85,000 of the settlement payment, according to the AP report.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser