Qui tam litigation: "whistleblower" lawsuits

Qui tam lawsuits are increasingly being used in the fight against fraud in the managed care environment. Brought by private individuals, called relators, on behalf of the U.S. government, the lawsuits aim to recover funds obtained through the presentment of false claims. The relator may eventually collect between 15% and 30% of the funds recovered. This article provides an overview of qui tam litigation and its role in the government's war against fraud.