​A lawsuit is ongoing in Florida that could produce one of the largest whistle-blower penalties ever for the Halifax hospital chain.  An internal employee of Halifax says she witnessed more than a decade of billing fraud, unnecessary hospital admissions, inappropriate spinal surgeries and illegal kickbacks to doctors which could amount to more than $200 million in damages. 

Allegedly, six oncologists and three neurosurgeons at Halifax received “illegal kickbacks,” or incentive bonuses tied to their performance, the suit claims. Two of the neurosurgeons received annual bonuses well over $1 million, according to the complaint. One of those surgeons, Dr. Frederico Vinas, supposedly also performed spinal fusion surgeries that were not medically necessary, alleges the lawsuit.

It is a never ending issue in healthcare where the incentives of the patient, provider and payer are not aligned.  We as taxpayers, employees and businesses are carrying the burden.