Two Fresno doctors will pay $2.4M to settle allegations of kickback schemes tied to prescriptions, violating federal healthcare laws. (AP File)

- Two Fresno doctors will pay $2.4M to settle allegations of kickback schemes tied to prescriptions, violating federal healthcare laws.
- Dr. Jagpreet Mukker and Dr. Amitabh Goswami allegedly profited from kickbacks and fraudulent Medicare billing, prosecutors say.
- Federal lawsuit continues against pharmacy operator Matthew H. Peters, accused of orchestrating the kickback arrangements.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Two Fresno physicians have agreed to pay a combined $2.4 million to resolve allegations of participating in unlawful kickback schemes tied to prescriptions for mail-order pharmacies, federal prosecutors announced Thursday in a news release.
Related Story: Fresno County Men Arrested in Armed Robbery Near Sanger High, Sanger Academy
The settlements involve Fresno podiatrist Dr. Jagpreet Mukker and pain medicine specialist Dr. Amitabh Goswami, along with their medical corporations. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated the kickback arrangements violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act.
In the larger of the two agreements, Dr. Mukker and Jay Mukker, DPM Inc. will pay $1,598,891 to settle claims that they directed prescriptions for federal health care program beneficiaries to pharmacies controlled by Matthew H. Peters.
Federal investigators alleged that from 2016 to 2020, Dr. Mukker received financial payouts tied to his prescribing practices. The payouts were disguised as investment returns, prosecutors said.
Related Story: Madera County Shooting Strikes K-9, Investigation Ongoing
According to the settlement, Dr. Mukker acknowledged receiving up to $117,400 annually as part of a scheme in which he was rewarded with additional investment opportunities based on the volume and value of prescriptions.
The settlement also addressed separate allegations that Dr. Mukker billed Medicare for non-reimbursable peripheral venous studies under false codes. Prosecutors claim this fraudulent billing occurred from January 2017 to November 2023.
Related Story: Tulare Gang Member Gets Life Without Parole for 2022 Murders
In the second settlement, Dr. Goswami and California Pain Consultants will pay $835,000 to resolve similar allegations. Federal officials allege that Dr. Goswami participated in the same kickback scheme involving Peters’ pharmacies.
“The payment of kickbacks corrupts medical decision-making and increases the cost of health care,” Talbert said. “We will hold accountable those who pay or receive such kickbacks, ensuring they do not profit at the expense of American taxpayers and patients.”
The U.S. government has also filed a lawsuit against Peters and his associated entities, alleging violations of the False Claims Act. That case, United States v. Matthew H. Peters, et al., is ongoing.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations with no determination of liability, the Department of Justice said.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing
6 hours ago
Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99
12 hours ago
Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says
12 hours ago
Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US
12 hours ago
Musk Announces Forming of ‘America Party’ in Further Break From Trump
13 hours ago
Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 59, Including 21 Children
13 hours ago
California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left
13 hours ago
How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again
2 days ago
What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.
2 days ago
TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports
6 hours ago
Categories

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

Hamas Government Office Rejects US Accusation of Involvement in Gaza Aid Site Attack

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78, Trump Plans Visit

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US
