Why should the government care if physicians refer their patients to other entities in which they have a financial interest?

1. Why should the government care if physicians refer their patients to other entities in which they have a financial interest? What conduct is the government trying to preclude?

2. Why is Stark be written so broadly as to include businesses owned by family members of the physician? Why do you think cousins, aunts and uncles are excluded from the definition of ‘immediate family members’?

3. Find online an example of a Stark violation indictment, settlement or judgment.

4. Which governmental entity is primarily responsible for enforcement of Stark? Why do you think that is?

5. I gave one example of a Stark circumvention scheme (cross-referrals). Can you think of others?