August 22, 2013 — Medicaid and Medicare fraud rob taxpayers of dollars that could better be spent elsewhere. Tips from conscientious whistleblowers can help federal authorities in combating health care fraud. The False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions permit health care insiders to bring a lawsuit on the government’s behalf and to receive 15 to 25 percent of the government’s judgment or settlement.
Medicaid/Medicare Fraud Results in $17 Million Judgment Against Washington, D.C. Physician
A $17 million judgment has been entered against a Washington, D.C. cardiologist and two companies the doctor owns in connection with False Claims Act violations. Ishtiaq Malik, M.D. is a cardiologist with an office in Northwest Washington, D.C. who fraudulently billed his professional services through two companies, Ishtiaq Malik M.D., P.C. and Advanced Nuclear Diagnostics, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Dr. Malik performed heart stress tests for patients, which are tests administered during stress and resting phases. The different phases of the test may occur during one or two visits to a physician’s office, but the medical provider must bill government healthcare programs for the two-phase test as just one billing event. However, Dr. Malik, and his two clinics double billed the two phases when they occurred on separate days.
The DOJ sued Dr. Malik and both of his companies, Ishtiaq Malik M.D., P.C. and Advanced Nuclear Diagnostics, for violating the False Claims Act, alleging that Dr. Malik and his companies entered codes that were not applicable to stress tests and double-billed for other services such as drug infusions, 3D renderings, and intravenous injections. Dr. Malik’s office in Washington, D.C. is close to the border with Maryland, and he fraudulently billed services to Medicaid in D.C. and Maryland, as well as to Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan, TRICARE and Medicare.
Health Care Insiders Use False Claims Act to Stop Medicaid Fraud
Health care insiders considering whether to collaborate with the government should become familiar with the False Claims Act and the rights the statute provides. The whistleblower lawyers at Waters & Kraus have long experience in protecting tipsters’ rights. Waters & Kraus has a nationwide presence, with offices in Maryland, Texas and California. Contact us by email or call our False Claims Act attorneys at 855.784.0268 to learn more about our health care fraud practice and how we can advance your interests.
