Whistleblower alleges fraud at Florida imaging centers

A Florida radiologist has been named as a defendant in a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Medicare fraud through improper lease arrangements, kickbacks, and upcoding.

The lawsuit was brought against Dr. Fred L. Steinberg, a radiologist who operates three MR imaging facilities in the Boca Raton area. Dr. David A. Clayman, a neuroradiologist, filed the suit, claiming he was terminated the same day he confronted Steinberg about coding standards.

A spokesperson for Steinberg said that the allegations in the complaint are just that, allegations, and nothing more.

The complaint against Steinberg falls under the federal False Claims Act and could result in fines between $5000 and $11,000 for each claim. The False Claims Act also entitles Clayman to a share ranging from 15% to 30% of any recovery.