Attorneys Andrea Fischer and Audrey Schechter led the effort to hold Bluestone Physician Services responsible for a pattern of fraudulent claims. The firm’s work has led to a substantial settlement that will recoup lost funds for the US Government, as well as the states of Florida and Minnesota.
Let’s take a close look at the case:
What did Bluestone do?
The filings against Bluestone claim that the service provider billed the government for over $14,000,000 worth of services not provided to patients. The allegations state that this pattern of false billing occurred from 2015 to 2019.
The role of whistleblowers and their attorneys
Fraudulent billing claims are challenges to the government and waste taxpayer money in many ways. The chief manner in which the government discovers and pursues these cases is through the vital work of qui tam whistleblowers.
These individuals take the risk of filing a lawsuit—on behalf of the government—against their employers. This is possible under the False Claims Act, which awards whistleblowers a small portion of the settlement and protects them from retaliation.
Attorneys like the team at Fischer Legal Group take on these cases, meticulously reviewing documents and building the case. If the case is successful enough, the Justice Department often provides resources. However, it is the initial attorneys who begin the process of securing justice and protecting their clients in the long run.
Accountability still matters
Successful qui tam litigation is one of the most impactful tools available to hold companies responsible for irresponsible or illegal actions. The real impact of this litigation means that other companies are less likely to abuse their positions of trust. We are happy to do our part to uphold justice.