Major news resources such as Nephrology News and Denver Business Journal are reporting that Denver Based, and one of the two Largest Dialysis Organizations, DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. has received six subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' office of the Inspector General for documents from six different dialysis centers which it operates in Southern California, according to the Denver Business Journal.
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These new Federal subpoenas come just 3.5 months after Davita's $389 million October settlement (payment of $350 million, plus a civil forfeiture of $39 million) regarding the fact that Davita had violated Anti-Kickback Laws by making improper contractual arrangements with doctors. Hence, in their investigation the Federal Government raised questions about the financial relationship with doctors who referred patients to Davita owned clinics.
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While that matter was settled out of court, company officials at the Denver-based Dialysis Titan, Davita, revealed that they aren't sure exactly the reason they are now being investigated. According to Nephrology News, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said that the "subpoenas relate to an investigation concerning the medical necessity of patient transportation." Still, Davita holds that they do not provide or bill insurers for the cost of transporting Dialysis patients.
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As most Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Dialysis would agree, it is not about pointing a finger and saying who is conducting fair or unfair practices, what is most important is how these practices impact Dialysis patients' health and quality of lives. That is why remaining abreast of major happenings such as Federal Investigations into Large Dialysis Organizations like Davita is important to insure that none of their protocols negatively impact Chronic Kidney Disease patients' overall health outcomes while conducting Dialysis.
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Chief Executive Officer, Kent Thiry said, "We only know what we know. And we'll have to keep you updated as this unfolds." Similarly, as more information becomes available regarding these most recent Federal Investigations of Davita, KidneyBuzz.com will continue to keep you up-to-date and informed about how exactly it impacts you as a Chronic Kidney Disease patient and your quality of Dialysis care.
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References:
"Dialysis Provider @DaVita Discloses HHS Investigation Involving Patient Transportation." Http://www.modernhealthcare.com. Modern Healthcare.
"DaVita Gets Subpoenas for Medical Records of Patients from Southern California Dialysis Clinics." Http://www.nephrologynews.com. Nephrology News and Issues
"DaVita Is under Federal Investigation Again - Denver Business Journal." Http://www.bizjournals.com/. Widgets RSS.
"DaVita to Settle Shareholder Lawsuits Stemming from Federal Kickback Settlement - Denver Business Journal." Http://www.bizjournals.com. Biz Journals.
"DaVita to Pay $389 Million to Settle Federal Allegations - Denver Business Journal." Http://www.bizjournals.com. Biz Journals.