Specialty Focus 2/20/24: Medical billing company owner sentenced to 12 years in fraud scheme + FDA approves a drug to treat severe food allergies

February 20, 2024 | Volume XIII | Issue 8

FDA approves a drug to treat severe food allergies, including peanuts, milk and eggs

NPR reports via Health News Florida:

Milk, eggs, walnuts and peanuts — this is not a grocery list, but some of the food allergies that could be more easily tolerated with a newly approved drug.

Xolair was greenlit by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday to help reduce severe allergic reactions brought on by accidental exposure to certain foods. It is considered the first medication approved by the FDA that can help protect people against multiple food allergies.

The medication is not intended for use during an allergic reaction. Instead, it is designed to be taken repeatedly every few weeks to help reduce the risk of reactions over time.

The FDA said people taking the drug should continue to avoid foods...

Medical billing company owner sentenced to 12 years in fraud scheme

The Health Law Offices of Anthony C. Vitale

A Long Island man who impersonated an NBA player and others to further his complex healthcare insurance fraud scheme has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $337 million and forfeit $63 million.

Mathew James engaged in a years-long healthcare and insurance fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators, including physicians throughout the country, defrauded multiple health insurance companies out of more than $600 million.

He was convicted in July 2022 of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, James was the CEO of Leale Inc., a medical billing company that he ran out of his basement. In this healthcare insurance fraud scheme, he billed for procedures that were either more serious or entirely different than those that his doctor-clients performed.

For example, he would submit claims for complex wound cleansing and closures when the actual procedure was a simple minor wound closing such as stitches.

How improving sleep can mean better cardiac health

CBS Mornings

In recognition of American Heart Month, sleep expert Shelby Harris sheds light on the link between poor sleep and its effects on heart health. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

View the video HERE.

Last Word

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