Manishkumar Patel, a resident of Pelham Manor, was found guilty of healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and violating the anti-kickback statute. His illegal activities took place between 2019 and 2022 when he, along with an accomplice, obtained prescription details from call centers. They then set up telemedicine appointments with patients under Medicare and had a doctor sign off on fraudulent prescriptions without interacting with the patients.
The drugs obtained through these deceptive means were sold to Medicare providers, resulting in substantial losses amounting to almost $50 million. As part of his punishment, Patel has been ordered to pay restitution exceeding $48 million to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Moreover, he is required to forfeit over $6 million.
For each offense committed, Patel faces a potential maximum prison sentence of five years. His actions not only defrauded the healthcare system but also jeopardized the well-being of those in need of legitimate medical assistance. Such crimes have severe consequences and impact the integrity of the healthcare industry as a whole.
Patel’s guilty plea comes after an investigation by law enforcement agencies into his criminal activities. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that healthcare providers operate within legal boundaries and do not engage in fraudulent practices that put patients at risk.
The consequences of such crimes are far-reaching and can result in severe penalties for those involved. It is important that all healthcare providers adhere to ethical standards and avoid engaging in fraudulent activities that could harm their patients or undermine the integrity of the healthcare industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Manishkumar Patel’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers must operate within legal boundaries and ensure that they are providing legitimate medical assistance to their patients without engaging in fraudulent activities that could harm them or undermine the integrity of the industry as a whole.
