Kansas hospitals do medically unneeded procedures, lawsuit claims

A Wichita cardiologist has alleged a pervasive practice by some Wichita hospitals and doctors to fraudulently perform lucrative procedures not medically necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of heart patients.

The federal lawsuit filed by physician Mazen Shaheen was unsealed Thursday after the Justice Department declined to intervene in the case. It names Via Christi Health Inc.; Kansas Heart Hospital LLC; Cardiovascular Consultants of Kansas and other physicians.

Via Christi had no immediate comment. Kansas Heart Hospital declined comment and the others did not return messages.

Shaheen’s complaint lists as examples 47 patients who underwent cardiac tests and procedures. He alleges their treatment deviated from medical standards and risked patient lives.

He also contends Via Christi has a bonus program used to offer incentives to physicians to perform the procedures at its hospitals.

This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Kansas hospitals do medically unneeded procedures, lawsuit claims."