HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Pearland man has agreed to pay $948,359.85 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Basem Hamid is a neurologist and pain medicine doctor who practices in Houston. Basem Hamid MD PA is an entity Hamid used to conduct his medical practice.
From Aug. 27, 2019, to Oct. 3, 2022, Hamid billed Medicare for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure.
However, neither Hamid nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations.
Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the neurostimulator behind the ear with an adhesive. All device placements took place in Hamid’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient, according to the allegations. Many patients claimed the adhesive came loose and the device fell off on its own accord within a few days.
“Individuals suffering from chronic pain put their faith in skilled medical professionals to help them find relief and improve their quality of life,” said Hamdani. “Our federal health care system entrusts providers with the medical care of our country’s most vulnerable, and it is important for healthcare providers to give accurate information about the services they provide for reimbursement – not misrepresent those services in an attempt to increase their bottom line.”
“When health care professionals submit false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “Dr. Hamid not only exploited Medicare for personal financial gain but also misled some of our most vulnerable citizens, according to the allegations. DHHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
