⏱ 2 min read
Valinda R. Nwadike, a Maryland gynecologist, has agreed to pay $507,500 to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The scheme, which took place from November 1, 2014, through January 1, 2018, involved Nwadike creating and signing thousands of fraudulent prescriptions for compounded drugs and durable medical equipment, such as knee braces, which were ultimately paid for by TRICARE and Medicare. The prescriptions were written after cursory phone calls with patients, without physical examinations or reviews of medical history. The telemarketing scheme resulted in the US paying for thousands of medically unnecessary prescriptions.
The US Attorney’s Office, along with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the settlement, stating that physicians who write prescriptions for medically unnecessary drugs and equipment abuse federal health care programs.
The settlement demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting taxpayer dollars and holding fraudulent providers accountable. Civil enforcement is an important approach to safeguarding the integrity of the Medicare program, according to Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring that Medicare program dollars are only paid for services that are actually needed. The settlement of $507,500 will be paid by Nwadike to resolve the allegations, bringing an end to the case.
Related Federal Cases
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- Ramon Ingram, Bank Fraud, Maryland 2015 · Maryland
- Wanisha D. Coates, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Maryland 2012 · New Hampshire
- Carmen Johnson, Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, False Statement, Maryland 2008 · Maryland
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Maryland
- Location: MD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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