Scranton Heart Institute to Pay $48,709 to Settle False Claims Allegations

The Institute allegedly violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by improperly billing Medicare for PET scan services.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Scranton Heart Institute has agreed to pay $48,709 to settle a lawsuit alleging it improperly billed Medicare for PET scan services. The settlement resolves claims that the Institute violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to Medicare, including by receiving remuneration from a mobile PET scan company to induce referrals of Medicare patients.

Why it matters

Kickback schemes in healthcare can undermine medical decision-making and significantly impact patient care and program costs. This settlement highlights the government's efforts to crack down on fraud and abuse in Medicare billing.

The details

According to the United States Attorney's Office, between December 2020 and May 2023, the Scranton Heart Institute 'knowingly and willfully received remuneration offered or paid by a mobile PET scan company to induce SHI to refer its Medicare patients to that company for PET scans.' This violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the government contends the Institute submitted false claims to Medicare associated with the imaging services.

  • The alleged violations occurred between December 10, 2020 and May 31, 2023.
  • The settlement was reached on January 28, 2026.

The players

Scranton Heart Institute

A healthcare provider in Scranton, Pennsylvania that allegedly violated the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute by improperly billing Medicare for PET scan services.

United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

The U.S. Attorney's Office that handled the case and announced the $48,709 settlement with the Scranton Heart Institute.

Brian D. Miller

The United States Attorney who stated the Institute 'knowingly and willfully received remuneration' to induce referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

Maureen Dixon

The Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, who stated that 'Kickback schemes can jeopardize medical decision making, which may significantly impact patient care and program costs.'

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What they’re saying

“Kickback schemes can jeopardize medical decision making, which may significantly impact patient care and program costs.”

— Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General

What’s next

The case was handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

The takeaway

This settlement underscores the government's ongoing efforts to combat fraud and abuse in Medicare billing, particularly related to kickback schemes that can undermine patient care and drive up healthcare costs. It serves as a warning to healthcare providers to strictly comply with anti-kickback laws and accurately bill federal healthcare programs.