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Dr. Joseph Rizzo and Center for Preventative and Regenerative Medicine Agreed to Be Excluded for 7 Years for Receiving Improper Remuneration in the Form of Purported Research Grants

On September 30, 2020, in connection with the resolution of their False Claims Act liability, Joseph Rizzo, M.D. (Dr. Rizzo) and the Center for Preventative and Regenerative Medicine, P.A. (CPRM), Lubbock, Texas, each agreed to be excluded under 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7(b)(7) for 7 years. The investigation revealed and OIG alleged that Dr. Rizzo and CPRM received remuneration from a marketing company and two laboratories in the form of purported research grants in exchange for Dr. Rizzo ordering clinical laboratory services from the laboratories. Pursuant to this financial arrangement, the laboratories performed the clinical laboratory services ordered by Dr. Rizzo and submitted claims to the Medicare program for payment in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Senior Counsel Karen Glassman represented OIG.

Action Details

  • Date:September 30, 2020
  • Enforcement Types:
    • CMP and Affirmative Exclusions