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John Patterson, Medicare Kickback Scheme, Texas 2024
EL PASO, Texas – A local doctor has agreed to pay the United States $468,626 to resolve allegations under the Federal False Claims Act.
The United States alleged that Dr. John Patterson, a physician practicing in El Paso, received kickbacks from Nursemind Home Care Inc., a freestanding hospice care center in El Paso, to certify patients as eligible for hospice services when in fact the patients were not eligible for these services.
The investigation into this scheme led to the criminal prosecution of Zenia Chavez, the owner of Nursemind Home Care, Inc., who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit illegal remunerations regarding a federal health care program, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
“Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute waste valuable federal health care program funds and corrupt the medical decision-making process,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
“Dr. Patterson falsely certified individuals for hospice services under Medicare when they did not meet eligibility criteria,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso. “He violated his oath as a physician to fight against healthcare fraud and waste.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eduardo Castillo negotiated the civil settlement on behalf of the United States, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Skillern and Debra Kanof represented the United States in the criminal prosecution of Ms. Zenia Chavez.
“My office will hold providers accountable, both through the civil and criminal process, when they attempt to defraud federal healthcare programs and the American taxpayer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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