Hospital Chain Faces Illegal Kickback Suit

Columbia-HCA Healthcare Corp., the nation’s biggest hospital chain, paid doctors illegal kickbacks including cash and free vacations in exchange for patient referrals, a doctor’s lawsuit charges.

Dr. James Thompson, a family practitioner in Corpus Christi, detailed his allegations this week as part of a federal court “whistleblower” lawsuit he filed against the hospital chain in March.

The kickbacks were provided nationally and at Bay Area Medical Center, a 141-bed hospital in Corpus Christi, Thompson contends.

Columbia denied the allegations. “We continue to believe the suit has no merit,” said Eve Hutcherson, a spokeswoman for the company, which is based in Nashville, Tenn. She declined further comment.