In a recent case, a Chicago doctor and his wife have been found liable for taking kickbacks and causing false Medicare claims. A federal jury held them accountable and ordered them to pay a civil judgement of over $3 million. The doctor, Dr. Ndudi Aniemeka, owns the Boycin Medical Clinic in Chicago, with his wife, Obiageli Aniemeka, serving as the clinic’s administrator. They were found to have unlawfully received kickbacks from a home health agency in exchange for Medicare patient referrals, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. The agency, Grand Home Health, then billed Medicare for services rendered, resulting in false claims. The Aniemekas personally received over $80,000 in kickbacks. The judgement was entered by U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, and includes treble damages and civil penalties, according to the False Claims Act.
Overview
Chicago Doctor and His Wife Held Liable by Jury
Ordered To Pay Civil Judgment of More Than $3 Million
In a recent case, a Chicago doctor and his wife have been found liable by a federal jury and ordered to pay a civil judgment of over $3 million. This judgment comes as a result of their involvement in illegal kickbacks and false Medicare claims. The doctor, Dr. Ndudi Aniemeka, and his wife, Obiageli Aniemeka, operated the Boyacin Medical Clinic in Chicago. The couple received kickbacks from Grand Home Health, a home health agency, in exchange for the doctor referring Medicare patients to their services. As a result of this violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, Grand Home Health submitted false claims to Medicare, leading to financial loss for the government. The Aniemekas personally gained over $80,000 from these kickbacks.
Background
Dr. Ndudi Aniemeka and Obiageli Aniemeka
Boyacin Medical Clinic in Chicago
Illegal kickbacks from Grand Home Health
Violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute
False Claims Act violation by Grand Home Health
Aniemekas’ personal gain from kickbacks
Dr. Ndudi Aniemeka and his wife, Obiageli Aniemeka, are the owners of the Boyacin Medical Clinic in Chicago. In 2009 and 2010, they engaged in illegal activities by accepting kickbacks from Grand Home Health, a home health agency. These kickbacks were given to the couple as payment for Dr. Aniemeka’s referrals of Medicare patients to Grand Home Health. This practice violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits healthcare providers from receiving payment in exchange for patient referrals. Additionally, Grand Home Health’s submission of false claims to Medicare violated the False Claims Act. The Aniemekas personally benefited from these kickbacks, which amounted to over $80,000.
Civil Trial and Verdict
Federal jury in Chicago
Number of false claims submitted
Amount paid by Medicare on those claims
Judgment entered by U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer
Treble damages and civil penalties
Announcement by government officials
The case against the Aniemekas was brought before a federal jury in Chicago. During the trial, evidence was presented regarding the false claims submitted by Grand Home Health as a result of the kickbacks received by the Aniemekas. The jury determined that a total of 158 false claims had been submitted, and Medicare had paid $425,976.32 on those claims. As a result of the jury’s findings, U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer entered a judgment against the Aniemekas. The judgment included treble damages, amounting to $1,277,928.96, and civil penalties totaling $1,738,000, in accordance with the False Claims Act. The verdict and judgment were announced by government officials, including Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Chicago Regional Office.
Government Representation
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate M. Flannery and Sarah J. North
The government was represented in this case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate M. Flannery and Sarah J. North. These attorneys played a crucial role in presenting the evidence against the Aniemekas and advocating for the government’s position. Their efforts contributed to the successful outcome of the trial and the subsequent judgment against the defendants.
False Claims Act
Permits private individuals to sue for false claims
Sharing in any recovery
Government intervention in the lawsuit
Triple damages and civil penalties
The False Claims Act allows private individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government in cases of false claims. These individuals, known as qui tam relators, are entitled to share in any recovery obtained through the lawsuit. The government may also intervene in the case and take over the lawsuit, as was done in this particular case. When a judgment is obtained under the False Claims Act, the damages awarded are typically tripled, meaning that the defendant is required to pay three times the amount of the actual damages. In addition, civil penalties of up to $11,000 can be assessed for each false claim submitted during the fraudulent scheme.
Other Related Cases
Suburban Chicago Doctor and His Surgical Center False Claims Act Settlement
Suburban Chicago Physician Sentenced for Health Care Fraud
Suburban Chicago Doctor Sentenced for Health Care Fraud
This case involving the Aniemekas is not an isolated incident. There have been other related cases in suburban Chicago that involve healthcare fraud and false claims. One such case involved a suburban Chicago doctor and his surgical center, which reached a settlement under the False Claims Act, requiring them to pay over $750,000. Another case resulted in the sentencing of a suburban Chicago physician for health care fraud. Additionally, a suburban Chicago doctor was also sentenced for health care fraud. These cases highlight the government’s commitment to combating healthcare fraud and holding those responsible accountable.
Contact Information
Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division
Northern District of Illinois Western Division
Chicago Phone Number
Rockford Phone Number
For more information or inquiries related to the case or healthcare fraud in the Northern District of Illinois, interested parties can contact the following:
- Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division
- Northern District of Illinois Western Division
- Chicago Phone Number
- Rockford Phone Number
These contact details provide individuals with the means to seek further clarification or assistance on any matters related to the case or healthcare fraud in the specified jurisdictions.