Premier Medical Group Settles False Claims Case
The Clarksville, Tennessee practice will pay $2.8 million over allegations it billed Medicare and TRICARE for non-physician services under physicians' NPI numbers.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Premier Medical Group, P.C., a multi-physician practice based in Clarksville, Tennessee, agreed to pay $2.8 million to the United States to resolve False Claims Act allegations. The allegations involve claims submitted to Medicare and TRICARE for services performed by non-physician practitioners.
Why it matters
The settlement highlights federal scrutiny of how billing identifiers are used when services are provided by non-physician staff. For Clarksville residents, it underscores how billing practices at local medical practices are monitored by federal investigators.
The settlement resolves allegations without any finding of liability against Premier Medical Group. The $2.8 million payment to the United States concludes the civil resolution of the claims covering November 2018 through May 2023.
The players
Premier Medical Group, P.C.
A multi-physician medical practice based in Clarksville, Tennessee, that agreed to the $2.8 million settlement.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee
The federal prosecutor's office that led the investigation and announced the settlement from its Nashville office.
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
The criminal investigative arm of the Department of Defense that assisted in the investigation of the TRICARE claims.
The details
Premier allegedly submitted claims to Medicare and TRICARE for services performed by non-physician practitioners, using physicians' National Provider Identifier numbers. The investigation was led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Timeline
November 1, 2018 through May 31, 2023: period covered by the alleged improper claims.
November 3, 2026: settlement publicly announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Legal Context
The False Claims Act allows the federal government to recover funds obtained through false claims, and it is the main civil tool used against improper healthcare billing. Settlements like Premier's apply that statute to Medicare and TRICARE claims submitted under physicians' identifiers.
Patients of Premier Medical Group and Medicare or TRICARE beneficiaries in the Clarksville area may see billing questions raised by the settlement. Residents who receive care from the practice can review their own medical bills and insurance statements for accuracy.
The takeaway
Billing practices that rely on a physician's identifier for services performed by other staff draw close federal review. Patients can check their explanation of benefits to confirm the services and providers listed match their visits.
Further reading
For more on similar cases, explore Financial Crime coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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