San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/31/2017 -- The Whistleblower Institute announces that Pacific Pulmonary Services reached an $11.4 million settlement in a False Claims Act lawsuit filed by a former employee over filing false reimbursement claims with federal health care programs and arranging a kickback scheme with sleep-testing clinics.

Those who have a similar case or experienced a similar situation or any other wrongdoing within a corporation have certain options and should contact the Whistleblower Institute at mail@whistleblowerinstitute.com or call: 619-452–1218. There are no costs or obligations to you.

According to the Department of Justice, Pacific Pulmonary Services allegedly, since about 2004, has submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare, Tricare and federal employee health benefits programs for home oxygen and related equipment without physicians' approval, as required by program rules.

Also, in 2006, certain of the company's patient care coordinators also allegedly agreed to make patient referrals to sleep testing clinics in exchange for those clinics' agreement to refer patients to Pacific Pulmonary Services for sleep therapy equipment.

Reportedly, Pacific Pulmonary Services is the business name of Braden Partners LP and Teijin Pharma USA LLC.

"This settlement demonstrates our tenacity in pursuing health care providers who seek to take advantage of federal healthcare programs," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler. "Providers who cut corners and pay kickbacks should be aware that they may face serious consequences."

A former Pacific Pulmonary sales representative, Manuel Alcaine, will receive $1.824 million, or about 16 percent of the settlement. Mr. Alcaine sued the company in 2010 under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allows private citizens who expose fraud against the government to share in any recovery.

Based in Novato, California, Pacific Pulmonary Services provides oxygen tanks, related supplies and sleep therapy equipment.

The Whistleblower Institute is an information portal for current or former employees and other people having insight information about wrongdoing and other illegal activities by individuals either individually or within corporations, through company culture and or within international affairs. Whistleblowers should keep in mind that under the Dodd-Frank Act any person who provides the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") with original information that leads to a successful enforcement action with over $1 million recovered must be awarded between 10%-30% of the total amount recovered. In order to determine the total amount of the reward there are numerous factors that need to be considered. Whistleblower actions are complex and our goal is to guide any whistleblower every step of the way. The Whistleblower Institute is dedicated to partnering with any individual who have information about fraud and we work with many of the best law firms worldwide.

Those who have a similar case or experienced a similar situation or any other wrongdoing within a corporation have certain options and should contact the Whistleblower Institute.

Contact:
Whistleblower Institute
2534 State Street - Suite 406
San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Phone: +1 (619) 452–1218
Facsimile: +1 (619) 785 – 3185
Email: mail@whistleblowerinstitute.com

The material was prepared by the Whistleblower Institute for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. The information is provided only as general information which may or may not reflect the most currently available public information, is not provided as a basis for any established or existing relationship, and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice, or to substitute for obtaining such advice from an attorney or other advisor licensed in your state.