Health Law

Solo Doctor Guilty of Healthcare Fraud and Tax Evasion

By Todd Rodriguez

As proof that no fish is too small for the wide health care fraud nets being cast by government authorities, a Columbus, Ohio internist has pleaded guilty to health care fraud and tax evasion arising out of health care services billed out of his medical practice between 2005 and 2007. According to Department f Justice press release, Dr. Rajiv Yakhmi will could serve up to 10 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $250,000 in connection with one count of health care fraud and filing a false tax return. In addition, he will forfeit and/or abandon approximately $1 million as restitution.

The health care fraud charge stems from almost $600,000 in claims billed to Medicare, the Medical Assistance programs and other insurers for services which were either not performed or were overcharged, improperly coded, or medically unnecessary. Dr. Yakhmi also failed to report approximately $800,000 cash receipts received from patients during a period when he was not participating with the Medicare program.
 

Full post as published by Physician Law on January 24, 2011 (boomark / email).