LI Doctors, Others Charged In Massive Medicare Fraud Schemes

Two doctors and a medical clinic business manager were among 13 people who were indicted for their alleged roles in a massive Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney announced on Thursday.

Those arrested included five doctors, a chiropractor, three licensed physical therapists and two pharmacy owners. Authorities say they falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid more than $163 million. They were arrested as part of a nationwide takedown.

Among those arrested were Dr. Abraham Demoz, 58, of Oceanside, Gary Peresiper, 52, of East Rockaway, and Dr. Hal Abrahamson, 55, of Melville.

“As alleged, the defendants charged throughout the Eastern District of New York as a part of the nationwide health care takedown abused their positions to enrich themselves, while bilking Medicare and Medicaid," said US Attorney Richard Donoghue. "They did so without regard to the elderly and vulnerable citizens whose health depends upon these essential programs. Licensed medical professionals and others who cheat the system will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

According to prosecutors, Demoz was one of five charged for a scheme that defrauded Medicare of more than $116 million. He is charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks, conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the lawful functions of the IRS and subscribing to a false and fraudulent tax return.

Peresiper, a medical clinic business manager, was charged with conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks. Authorities say that Peresiper worked at two different Brooklyn clinics -- PUlmonary Solutions, P.C. and Multi Care Medical NY PLLC. They say Peresiper and others submitted claims to the clinics for diognostic testing and other services for those who had been directed to the clinics in return for a kickback. From November 2010 to June 2013, authorities say Medicare was billed $10.2 million in claims and paid approximately $4.7 million.

Abrahamson, a podiatrist, was charged with one count of healthcare fraud. Authorities say that Abrahamson submitted claims to Medicare and private insurance companies for procedures he did not perform. They say Abrahamson's scheme caused losses of $869,000. He pleaded guilty on June 26.

“Turning a blind eye to the needs of Medicare and Medicaid recipients, these medical officials set their sights on personal gain,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney. “Our doctors and healthcare professionals are entrusted to serve those in need, but these individuals used their occupations as leverage to fulfill their fraudulent scheme. By allegedly billing Medicare and Medicaid more than $163 million, the defendants selfishly diverted funds allocated to our most vulnerable citizens. Devoted to protecting the welfare of our citizens, we will continue to uproot those who blatantly take advantage these programs.”

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