Business briefs: Feds settle with 21st Century Oncology, collect $19.75 million
WASHINGTON - 21st Century Oncology LLC, has agreed to pay the government $19.75 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act by billing federal health care programs for laboratory tests that were not medically necessary, according to the Justice Department.
21st Century, headquartered in Fort Myers, is a nationwide provider of integrated cancer care services.
The settlement resolves allegations that 21st Century submitted claims to Medicare and Tricare for fluorescence in situ hybridization, or "FISH," tests that were not medically necessary. The laboratory tests performed on urine that can detect genetic abnormalities associated with bladder cancer. The government alleged that 21st Century submitted claims for unnecessary FISH tests ordered by four of its urologists, Dr. Meir Daller, Dr. Steven Paletsky, Dr. David Spellberg and Dr. Robert Scappa, all of whom practiced in the Fort Myers area. The government also alleged that 21st Century encouraged these physicians to order unnecessary FISH tests by offering bonuses that were based in part on the number of tests referred to 21st Century's laboratory.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower. The whistleblower, a former 21st Century Oncology LLC medical assistant, will receive $3.2 million as her share of the recovery in this case.
Wal-Mart looks to China for new US marketing chief
NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart is turning to its marketing chief in China to shape how it relays its message to shoppers in the U.S.
The world's largest retailer named Tony Rogers as chief marketing officer for the U.S. Friday. He will report to Greg Foran, president and CEO of Wal-Mart's U.S. division starting in mid-January. Rogers, a 10-year-veteran at the company, has been the head of marketing and social media in China for two years.
Rogers succeeds long-time marketing chief Stephen Quinn, who retires next month.
Wal-Mart has also beefed up its marketing muscle by hiring former Target marketing executive Michael Francis as consultant. Francis is best known for his nearly 30-year career at Target, where he helped create the discounter's cheap-chic image through whimsical advertising.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in a shift, is focusing on higher-income shoppers where it sees more growth. But it's still a tricky feat. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company announced in October that annual profit could fall as much as 12 percent for its fiscal 2017 as it invests heavily online and in its stores. The retailer is facing increasing competition from online players like Amazon.com and from dollar-store chains.
Neal Communities wins accolades from Florida Green Building Coalition
ORLANDO -- Neal Communities was named number one builder of the top 15 green builders in the state and dubbed "Builder of the Year" from the Florida Green Building Coalition.
Neal Communities was honored with the top spot in the first-ever Top 15 Green Builders to commemorate the 15-year anniversary of the coalition. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder earned the accolade for building the most green-certified homes in the past 15 years.
Neal Communities also received the 2015 Green Achievement Award for Builder of the Year - Most Homes Certified in the single-family homes category for the third consecutive year.
Herald staff and wire report
This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Business briefs: Feds settle with 21st Century Oncology, collect $19.75 million ."