Surgical device maker AtriCure investigated for False Claims Act violations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has informed AtriCure, the manufacturer of surgical ablation devices, that the company is under investigation for possible False Claims Act violations. In particular, the DOJ is looking into AtriCure’s marketing practices with regard to its surgical ablation system for treating atrial fibrillation. Use of the system for this purpose has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The DOJ is also investigating whether the company advised hospitals to use incorrect billing codes when billing Medicare for surgical ablation. The DOJ is putting together a document request directed to the matter.

For the full story, go to Market Watch.