Boston Medical Center Pays $600,000 to Settle Billing Dispute

Boston Medical Center and an affiliated health center will pay $600,000 to resolve state and federal false claims allegations. Investigators say the hospital overcharged the state's free care pool for treatment at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center provided after 10 pm, on Sundays and on holidays. There is no suggestion that the violations were intentional. BMC spokeswoman Ellen Berlin says " BMC is committed to compliance with all government payor rules and regulations. BMC, having admitted no liability in the matter, agreed to the settlement to avoid the uncertainty, inconvenience and expense of protracted litigation."