Dr. Basem Hamid, a 52-year-old neurologist from Pearland, Texas, has agreed to pay $948,359.85 to resolve allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare. The case centers around fraudulent billing for surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes between August 2019 and October 2022.
The Fraudulent Scheme
Dr. Hamid's actions violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to Medicare for complex surgical procedures that were never performed. The False Claims Act specifically prohibits knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims for payment to the federal government.
Instead of performing complex surgical procedures requiring an operating room, Dr. Hamid allegedly provided simple electro-acupuncture treatments. The actual procedure merely involved inserting thin wires into patients' ears and taping neurostimulators behind them with adhesive. Many patients reported that these devices would fall off within days due to loose adhesive.
Medicare typically pays thousands of dollars per neurostimulator implantation procedure, as these are typically invasive surgeries requiring operating room facilities. By billing these simple procedures as complex surgeries, the scheme resulted in significant overcharges to the Medicare system.
Official Responses
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani emphasized that healthcare providers must provide accurate information about their services rather than misrepresenting them for financial gain. Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows highlighted how such false claims erode public trust and divert crucial taxpayer resources.
Medicare Fraud and Whistleblower Importance
Medicare fraud schemes like this one cost American taxpayers billions annually, undermining the healthcare system's integrity. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing these schemes, often being the first to identify suspicious billing patterns or fraudulent practices. Their actions protect both patient safety and public funds, making them essential guardians of healthcare integrity.
Take Action Against Medicare Fraud
If you have knowledge of similar Medicare fraud schemes or suspicious healthcare billing practices, The New Jersey Team of Whistleblower Advocates can help. Our experienced team offers free, confidential consultations to evaluate potential fraud cases and guide whistleblowers through the reporting process while protecting their rights. Don't let healthcare fraud go unreported - your action could help protect countless patients and save millions in taxpayer dollars.
This article is a news article for informational purposes only. The Whistleblower Advocates did not represent the parties identified in the story above.
