Sleep lab pays over $150,000 to resolve false billing claims

HOUSTON, TX -- Apnix Sleep Diagnostics LP has paid the United States $154,824 to resolve claims that it improperly billed the Medicare program for sleep studies, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

A proactive review of claims data demonstrated that Apnix was the one of the area’s highest paid sleep labs. In addition, the investigation revealed there had been several complaints regarding Apnix’s failure to adhere to Medicare regulations.

Medicare rules and regulations require that properly-trained and certified sleep technicians administer sleep studies. However, from Jan. 1, 2015, through July 15, 2019, Apnix improperly billed and received payment for sleep studies when they did not have the properly-trained and certified personnel present.

Apnix allegedly violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting, or causing to be submitted, false claims to Medicare for payment for sleep studies performed by these non-certified technicians.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Green handled the matter.

The settlement resolved the government’s allegations without a determination of liability.