Clarksville Pain Practices Pay $1.5M to Resolve Claims
Two linked pain management practices agreed to a settlement over alleged false claims to Medicare and the VA.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Two linked pain management practices in Clarksville, Tennessee, agreed to pay $1.5 million to the United States to resolve False Claims Act allegations. The settlement resolves claims that the practices billed Medicare and the VA for medically unnecessary urine drug, allergy and psychological testing, and the claims are allegations only, with no determination of liability.
Why it matters
The case shows how federal health programs rely on whistleblowers to detect billing for testing that may not be medically necessary. For residents of Clarksville, it highlights the scrutiny applied to local practices that treat patients under federal coverage.
The settlement has been concluded and announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office, resolving a complaint filed by the United States on September 11, 2024. The claims remain allegations only, and no court has determined liability.
The players
U.S. Attorney's Office
The federal prosecutor's office that announced the settlement and represents the United States in False Claims Act enforcement matters.
The details
The United States alleges that the practices submitted false claims to Medicare and the VA for medically unnecessary urine drug testing, allergy testing and psychological testing. The clinic, which operated a pain management practice based in Clarksville, merged with a Nashville practice in 2018, and the lawsuit was brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by a former employee.
Timeline
April 2014 to May 2024: Period of alleged submission of false claims to Medicare and the VA.
2018: The Clarksville practice merged with a Nashville pain management practice.
September 11, 2024: The United States filed its complaint.
November 12, 2026: The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the settlement.
Legal Context
The settlement follows the pattern of False Claims Act qui tam suits, in which private whistleblowers receive a share of recoveries when they expose alleged fraud against federal programs like Medicare and the VA. It shows the statute's continued use against outpatient clinics over testing and billing practices.
For Clarksville patients who rely on pain management care covered by Medicare or the VA, the case underscores the importance of asking whether recommended tests are medically necessary. Residents can review explanation-of-benefits statements for testing they do not recall receiving.
The takeaway
Patients covered by federal health programs can ask providers to explain why a test is needed and check their billing statements for services they did not expect. Careful review of medical bills is one of the most practical safeguards against improper billing.
Further reading
For more on similar cases, browse Financial Crime coverage from across the region.
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