Oasis Acupuncture LLC And Its Owner Agree To Pay $100,000 To Settle False Claims Act Liability

Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Oasis Acupuncture LLC and its owner, Dr. Hui-Li Yuan, have agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting inflated claims for acupuncture services to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.

According to the settlement agreement, Oasis Acupuncture and Dr. Yuan billed the VA for acupuncture needle reinsertion services that were inflated and did not meet the minimum time requirements of 15 minutes per needle reinsertion. This resulted in the VA overpaying for Oasis Acupuncture's claims.

"Protecting our veterans and their care is paramount," U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. "This civil settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure compliance and proper billing by all providers."

"This settlement demonstrates the VA OIG's unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of claims submitted to VA healthcare programs," said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA Office of Inspector General's Southeast Field Office. "The VA OIG commends the US Attorney's Office for their efforts in this investigation."

This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor led the investigation.

The government's action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs OIG Hotline, at 1-800-488-8244.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability.