HHS-OIG Issues Unfavorable Opinion Saying Offering Free Hearing Aid With Cochlear Implant Presents Risk of Fraud, Abuse
Highlights
The HHS-OIG issued an unfavorable opinion addressing a free hearing aid given to any patient receiving the supplier’s cochlear implant
The agency determined the arrangement posed a significant risk of inducing patients to select the supplier’s cochlear implant over competitors
The opinion reiterates the HHS-OIG’s concern about gifts and other inducements that inappropriately sway patients, providers, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers to select a certain item or service
The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) has issued Advisory Opinion No. 23-08 regarding a proposed arrangement in which a durable medical equipment supplier that manufactures cochlear implants provides a compatible free hearing aid to any individual receiving one of its cochlear implants.
Keep Up to Date in a Changing World
