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Arkansas Family Care Network, Dr. Michael Beard, and Dr. Michael Kittell Agreed to Pay $50,000 for Allegedly Violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law by Soliciting and Receiving Remuneration from a Laboratory in the Form of Improper Processing Fees

After they self-disclosed conduct to OIG, Arkansas Family Care Network, P.A., Michael Beard, M.D., and Michael Kittell, M.D. (collectively, "AFCN"), agreed to pay $50,000 for allegedly violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law, including provisions applicable to physician self-referrals and kickbacks. OIG alleged that AFCN solicited and received remuneration from a laboratory company in the form of "process and handling" payments related to the collection of blood. OIG contended that AFCN solicited and received the remuneration in exchange for AFCN referring patients for laboratory testing services, which were paid by Medicare.

Action Details

  • Date:November 6, 2017
  • Enforcement Types:
    • Fraud Self-Disclosures