Four cardiologists tied to a kick back scheme at the state's medical university will return $387,000 to settle civil charges that they were paid to refer patients to the university's cardiac surgery program.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, which announced the settlements yesterday, charged that the four were given academic posts at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in return for patient referrals, but performed little or no services.
More than a dozen so-called "community cardiologists" have so far been implicated in the case, which came to light after the former head of the school's cardiology division filed a whistleblower suit more than a year ago. A federal monitor later concluded that the cardiologists—hired as part-time faculty members—had no research credentials, taught no classes and were essentially paid to bring patients into a heart surgery program that was then at risk of losing its state accreditation.

"We will continue to pursue those who make referrals based on financial considerations rather than patient health," said U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie.

Welcome! The article you'd like to read is available to Adjunct Advocate subscribers, or to non-subscribers for purchase with AdjunctNation Passport credits. Your AdjunctNation Passport credit purchases compensate the writers directly!

If you like, visit our secure online store to purchase AdjunctNation Passport credits or subscribe. PLEASE NOTE: If you're already registered, you don't need to register again to read the article! You need to login, go to our secure online store, and purchase AdjunctNationCredits.