$4.15M Settlement Evidences Benefit of Reporting

Breeda O’Leary, Esq.

The U.S. Government (“Government”) and the State of Michigan (“State”) have reached an agreement in a False Claims Act case wherein the Defendants have agreed to pay $4.15M to the Government and State for fraudulent billings to Medicare and Medicaid.

   
The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act allows an individual with knowledge of Medicare or Medicaid Fraud, referred to as the “relator,” to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Government against those committing the fraud.  The Government is then provided notice of the lawsuit and is given the option to intervene as Plaintiff in the suit.  If the Government obtains a judgment or settlement in the suit, the relator is provided a percentage of the amount collected.
      
In the instant case, it was alleged that the Defendants, Dr. Jashu R. Patel and other Jackson Cardiology Associates physicians, performed unnecessary cardiac procedures at Allegiance Health’s W.A. Foote Hospital in Jackson, also a Defendant in the case.  Medicare and Medicaid were billed for these procedures.  Dr. Julie A. Kovich, a former independent contractor at Jackson Cardiology Associates, filed suit as the relator in this case.  While Dr. Kovich faces the possibility of being ostracized by her peers, she will receive approximately $764,700.00 as the relator. 
 
If you or anyone you know has specific knowledge of fraudulent billing to Medicare or Medicaid, or is facing criminal or civil liability concerning an alleged fraud, contact the experienced and professional fraud team at Fausone Bohn, LLP for sound legal advice.  Contact us at (248) 380-0000 or online at www.MichiganFraudLawyer.com.

To read the article about the deficiencies in Medicare’s new accounting system, please visit:  http://www.justice.gov/usao/mie/news/2013/2013_7_10_jpatel_HCF.html

Local Oncologist Charged with Medicare Fraud

Mark Mandell, Esq.

Yet another Michigan doctor has been brought up by the FBI on charges of Medicare fraud this past Tuesday. Although this seems like an unfortunate regular occurrence nowadays, this specific case is one of the worst our state has seen.

Dr. Farid Fata, a 48-year-old oncologist from Oakland Township, was arrested Tuesday morning for submitting over $35 million worth of false claims to Medicare. Despite this large fraud, however, the FBI are alleging even worse crimes than cheating Medicare.  In their criminal complaint against Fata, the FBI states he “administered unnecessary chemotherapy to patients in remission.” As shocking as it sounds, not only was Fata fraudulently billing Medicare for his own benefit, but he was abusing the trust and confidence of his cancer patients.

The FBI said that Fata deliberately misdiagnosed patients with cancer so he could bill them for chemotherapy and that he told cancer-free patients who had entered remission that they were still in need of chemotherapy medications. While it is unclear whether Fata’s actions resulted in any severe medical issues or deaths at this point, the FBI is not ruling out the possibilities.

With over $14 million in liquid assets and a house in Lebanon, the FBI considers Fata a flight risk and are holding him until his hearing date arrives. For his current charges he faces up to 20 years behind bars if he is convicted.

If you or someone you know is the target of a fraud investigation, or if you have already been indicted, contact the experienced team of fraud attorneys at Fausone Bohn, LLP, at (248) 380-0000 or online at www.MichiganFraudLawyer.com. 

To learn more or see the original article, please visit: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/doctor-arrested-offices-raided-by-fbi-in-connection-to-healthcare-fraud-charges

 

Detroit Area Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

Mark Mandell, Esq.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, a Detroit-area Physical Therapist Assistant, Syed Shah, has pleaded guilty to participating in a $22 million home health care fraud.

Prosecutors say that the 51 year old West Bloomfield man acknowledged that he conspired to bill Medicare for home health services that weren’t performed or were not medically necessary.  These actions occurred between 2008 and 2012.

Mr. Shah will be sentenced on November 19th and he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 

Long prison sentences such as this are further evidence of the Federal government’s crackdown on health care fraud.  The Federal government is ramping up its investigation and prosecution efforts in an effort to combat the billions of dollars lost annually to Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

If you or someone you know is the target of a fraud investigation, or if you have already been indicted, contact the experienced team of fraud attorneys at Fausone Bohn, LLP, at (248) 380-0000 or online at www.MichiganFraudLawyer.com.