To settle allegations that it paid illegal kickbacks to cardiogists for patient referrals, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey agreed to pay $8.3 million to Medicare, said DoJ today. In 2008, six of the cardiologists also settled with the Government, while two others pled guilty to embezzlement related to the scheme and two others still face civil allegations. “Today’s settlement reflects the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to protect the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “Patients must have confidence that the medical advice and treatments they are getting from their doctors are for the right reasons.”

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