Colorado Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic and Owner Agree to Settle False Claims Act Allegations
Seattle Whistleblower Attorneys report that Springbok Health Inc., a medical clinic with locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo West, Colorado, and Mark Jankelow, Springbok’s owner and Chief Executive Officer, have agreed to pay at least $125,000, and up to as much as $335,494, to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Medicaid for high-complexity and prolonged medical evaluation and management services when such services were not rendered.
Between 2017 and 2019, Springbok and Jankelow allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for expensive medical evaluation and management services when, at most, less expensive counseling services were provided. The resolution is based on Springbok’s and Jankelow’s ability to pay.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of an action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Springbok and Jankelow. These provisions permit a private party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Chaudhry v. Springbok Health Inc., No. 18-cv-00999 (D. Colo.). Ms. Chaudhry will receive at least $22,500, and up to as much as $60,389, as her share of the settlement.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Source: Dept. of Justice
Between 2017 and 2019, Springbok and Jankelow allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for expensive medical evaluation and management services when, at most, less expensive counseling services were provided. The resolution is based on Springbok’s and Jankelow’s ability to pay.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of an action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Springbok and Jankelow. These provisions permit a private party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Chaudhry v. Springbok Health Inc., No. 18-cv-00999 (D. Colo.). Ms. Chaudhry will receive at least $22,500, and up to as much as $60,389, as her share of the settlement.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Source: Dept. of Justice