University of Iowa settles with federal officials over Medicare payments on X-ray readings

The University of Iowa has agreed to pay roughly $16,000 and to implement training after its medical center incorrectly submitted Medicare claims for certain X-ray interpretations.

The U.S. Attorney General's Office announced a settlement with the university this week after federal officials say the Iowa City-based University of Iowa Health Care incorrectly submitted claims for resident physicians' readings of X-rays between July 2018 and May 2020.

According to federal Medicare rules on diagnostic radiology in a teaching setting, a physician payment may be made for X-ray interpretations if that interpretation is reviewed or performed by a physician other than a resident.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said civil claims had been filed against UI for these incorrect payment claims.

Under this settlement agreement, the university has agreed to pay $16,444 to federal officials to resolve these allegations. The health system also will implement mandatory physician training on Medicare requirements on physician fee payments for these interpretations of X-rays and other diagnostic radiology in teaching settings.

The University of Iowa did not admit to any liability as part of this settlement agreement, federal officials said.

"University of Iowa Health Care is pleased that it was found of no wrongdoing and that this settlement resolves the issue," health system officials wrote in a statement to the Register. "We will continue to focus on the research, education, and clinical care for Iowa and Iowans that is important to all the settling parties."

Michaela Ramm covers health care for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at mramm@registermedia.com, at (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter at @Michaela_Ramm.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: University of Iowa will pay $16,000 to resolve incorrect Medicare claims