Pakistani-American cardiologist Dr. Arjumand Hashmi and 15 other doctors have agreed to pay $17.7 million to resolve an overbilling issue in the United States.
The US Department of Justice has secured this settlement following allegations of fraudulent billing practices involving these 16 cardiologists.
Dr. Hashmi, a former mayor of Paris, Texas, will contribute $2.6 million to the settlement. He responded to the allegations by clarifying that the overbilling issue, tied to inflated Medicare payments, originated 12 years ago and that the money has already been returned.
Despite denying any fraudulent activities, Dr. Hashmi continues his medical practice in the US. The Department of Justice had accused him and his colleagues of generating millions of dollars through improper billing.
The breakdown of the settlement payments among the involved parties is as follows:
| Entity | Associates | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC | Mohammed Kazimuddin | $6,750,000 |
| Heart Clinic of Paris P.A. | Dr. Arjumand Hashmi | $2,600,000 |
| Scranton Cardiovascular Physician Services LLC | $2,369,111 | |
| Shannon Clinic | $996,856 | |
| Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association | Edward Leahey | $894,679 |
| Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants LLC | Ayim Djamson | $846,888 |
| Cardiology Center of New Jersey LLC | Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, Sameer Kaul | $740,000 |
| Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC | Mahamadu Fuseini | $600,000 |
| Family Medical Specialty Clinic PLLC | Melecio Abordo, June Abadilla | $409,594 |
| James R. Higgins M.D. Inc. | James Higgins | $395,537 |
| TrustCare Health LLC | $279,407 | |
| Taj Medical Inc. | $240,000 | |
| White River Diagnostic Clinic PLC | Margaret Kuykendall, Seth Barnes | $234,490 |
| Veinguard Heart & Vascular Center P.C. | Fareeha Khan | $195,000 |
| Boulder Medical Center PC | $160,000 | |
| Wellspring Cardiac Care P.A. | $50,000 |
