The owner of Houston-based B.I. Medical Supply has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.
Along with his sentence, Bassey Monday Idiong has also been ordered to pay $527,023 in restitution. He pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and five counts of healthcare fraud.
Court documents showed he paid patient recruiters kickbacks in exchange for the names of beneficiaries for whom bills could be submitted to Medicare. He then billed for expensive arthritis devices that were not medically necessary.
Related Articles on Durable Medical Equipment and Fraud:
Three Houston Residents Plead Guilty for “Arthritis Kit” Fraud Scheme
Six Houston Area Residents Charged With Healthcare Fraud
Owner of Texas’ United DME Faces 10 Years in Prison for Fraud Scheme
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.