Over a dozen doctors in Texas forced to pay nearly $3 million over kickback allegations

Multiple doctors based in Texas agreed to pay nearly $3 million amid allegations that they engaged in kickback schemes involving laboratory tests ordered from several providers. 

The Department of Justice said in a press release this week that 15 Texas doctors "have agreed to pay a total of $2.83 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations involving illegal kickbacks" in violation of federal statute. 

The doctors involved in the latest payout are among over 30 doctors total that allegedly participated in the kickback scam. 

The Justice Department said the paybacks "resolve allegations" that the doctors "receiv[ed] thousands of dollars in remuneration from nine management service organizations ... in exchange for ordering laboratory tests" from three different providers in Texas. 

"This outcome is the result of cooperation amongst law enforcement partners focused on upholding the integrity of federal health care programs,” Special Agent in Charge Miranda Bennett said in the press release.

The Justice Department in its release indicated that further investigations may reveal additional participants in the scam. 

"As part of their settlements, the 15 physicians have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of and litigation against other parties involved in the alleged violations of law," the DOJ said.