By Brian Murphy

Developments continue in a $188.1 million lawsuit against Renton, Washington-based Providence Health & Services, with a judge presiding over the case requesting additional documentation from both parties to determine if the suit will continue or be dismissed.

In a story reported here on August 23, Integra Med Analytics LLC filed a lawsuit against the a 34-hospital system and its consultant, J.A. Thomas. Integra Med Analytics demanded a jury trial under the False Claims Act. The lawsuit claimed that the defendants were allegedly upcoding various diagnoses. Notably, the government declined to be a party in the litigation.

In a follow-up to the story in November, the defendants responded to the allegations with a formal call for dismissal. On February 13, the court held a hearing on the defendant’s motions to dismiss. The court indicated its decision could be aided by additional submissions from both parties.