Circulatory Centers of America, which provides treatment for varicose veins in several offices in the Pittsburgh area and in several states, has settled with the U.S. Department of Justice for $1.2 million.

A news release from the department on Thursday said the Pittsburgh-based company, which has an office in Wexford, submitted claims to Medicare for reimbursement for services the company said were performed by non-physicians under the supervision of a physician when no physician was present in the office.

The release explained that billing for services provided by a non-physician commands a higher reimbursement than the same services provided by a physician.

The complaint also accused Circulatory Centers of America of submitting claims to federal programs for medically unnecessary and unreasonable ultrasound services performed by technicians who did not have the required license, certification or training.

They were also accused of billing for ultrasound services that were not provided.

“Inflating the cost of health care services defrauds taxpayers and depletes the limited funds available to provide medical care to deserving patients,” said a U.S. attorney in the release. “Today's settlement signals our commitment to aggressively pursue entities and individuals who attempt to cheat American taxpayers.”

The matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.