DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. disclosed to investors Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating two of its Florida clinics
regarding the medical necessity of certain procedures.
The Denver-based operator of a kidney care centers said that this involves RMS Lifeline, its wholly owned subsidiary that operates as Lifeline Vascular Access.
The Justice Department notified RMS on Nov. 10 that it is investigating services provided at the two clinics since Jan. 1, 2008. The department has asked for documents and medical records for 10 patients.
DaVita has owned RMS Lifeline since 2003.
According to a DaVita filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Justice Department is “reviewing the medical necessity of angiograms performed at the two centers.”
DaVita said that it intends to cooperate with the government.
“Over the past several years, we have enhanced our compliance programs company-wide, dedicating additional resources and personnel to our compliance practices. We will work diligently to resolve this matter,” company spokesman Skip Thurman said.
Earlier this year, DaVita settled for $495 million a whistle-blower lawsuit that accused the company of defrauding the federal Medicare program of millions of dollars.
The company previously has settled other suits for about another $450 million tied to double billing the government and getting kickbacks from doctors in exchange for patient referrals.
Tamara Chuang: tchuang@denverpost.com or visit dpo.st/tamara
