GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Long Island’s Zwanger-Pesiri Inc. has been slammed with a $2.4 million criminal forfeiture after pleading guilty to two counts of health care fraud, according to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
The radiology company, based in Central Islip, admitted to bilking federal healthcare programs by performing and billing for procedures not ordered by treating physicians. The company’s scheme involved ‘bundling’ tests without proper authorization, leading to a staggering $8.15 million settlement to resolve civil liabilities.
Robert L. Capers, the U.S. Attorney, Scott J. Lampert of HHS-OIG, William F. Sweeney Jr. from the FBI, and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman made the joint announcement, underscoring the severity of the charges against Zwanger-Pesiri.
Between July 2009 and February 2014, the firm systematically ‘bundled’ procedures such as DXA bone scans with vertebral fracture assessments. They also bundled pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds for female patients without proper orders. The civil settlement includes $6.92 million to the U.S. and $1.23 million to New York State, stemming from a qui tam complaint by Donna Geraci and Linda Gibb.
In addition to the financial penalties, Zwanger-Pesiri has agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, ensuring oversight of its billing practices moving forward. ‘Zwanger-Pesiri illegally pursued corporate profits at the expense of federal and state healthcare providers,’ Capers said, emphasizing the commitment to justice in protecting taxpayer dollars.
‘Corporate greed must never be a part of medical decision-making,’ Lambert emphasized, reinforcing the law enforcement agencies’ dedication to safeguarding patient care and federal programs.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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