OIG clamps down on payment arrangements between physician practices, labs

Why This Topic Matters

Physician-lab arrangements can affect compliance exposure, federal program risk, and overall practice operations. Understanding the scope of the OIG’s concerns helps organizations assess existing relationships and review contracts, payments, and related policies.

Article Sections

1. OIG Special Fraud Alert and compliance concerns

   Overview of the alert’s focus and the general compliance issues it raises for physician-lab payment arrangements. The section frames the government’s concerns in the context of fraud-and-abuse oversight.

2. Government scrutiny of lab payment arrangements

   Discussion of the broader enforcement environment involving physician and laboratory financial relationships. This section addresses why these arrangements have attracted continued government attention.

3. Five ways to reduce risk with lab deals

   Practical compliance themes for evaluating and reviewing proposed arrangements with laboratories. The section summarizes general risk-management considerations and related legal review points.