United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
Inform Diagnostics, Inc., a clinical laboratory based in Irving, Texas, has agreed to pay $2.9 million to address potential liability under the False Claims Act. The settlement relates to actions that may have violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, leading to false claims submitted for Medicare and other federal health care programs. The company voluntarily disclosed these actions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office earlier this year.
The company provides anatomic pathology services nationwide and admitted that between 2018 and 2023, it engaged in purchasing test arrangements (PTAs) with some physician practice customers. These arrangements involved splitting reimbursement for laboratory services into "technical" and "professional" components, with Inform billing commercial insurers for both while reimbursing customers at a set price. Customers also referred additional services to Inform, which were billed to Medicare and federal programs. The U.S. government argues that these PTAs led to false claims due to violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Inform's decision to self-report was acknowledged positively in the settlement agreement. The disclosure included results from an internal investigation detailing potentially problematic relationships and financial impacts on the government. Following this disclosure, Inform terminated all PTAs.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy remarked on the importance of such disclosures: “By self-disclosing this conduct to the federal government, Inform saved itself hundreds of thousands of dollars... This office is committed to making sure that companies that come forward with information regarding potential violations of the law before the government learns of them get real benefits from such a decision.” He added that while unlawful conduct is not condoned, self-disclosure can save time and resources for both parties involved.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG; and Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of DCIS Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham R. George and Alexandra Brazier managed the case.
