A Michigan surgeon has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to submit more than $7 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for psychotherapy services that were never rendered, the Justice Department said in an April 17 news release.
Between 2019 and 2023, Mustafa Hares, MD, of West Bloomfield, joined with co-conspirator Mohammed Kazkaz to sign purported patient progress notes that were actually written by employees in Mexico rather than actual medical providers.
Dr. Hares was also ordered to pay $4.8 million in restitution and serve three years of supervised release. Mr. Kazkaz was previously sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for his role in the 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.