Pakistani-American Doctor and Others to Pay $17.7 Million in Fraudulent Medical Billing Case

Pakistani-origin cardiologist Dr. Arjumand Hashmi and 15 other doctors have agreed to pay a total of $17.7 million to resolve allegations of overbilling in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the settlement involves 16 cardiologists accused of fraudulent billing practices. Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, a Pakistani-American cardiologist, was among those implicated. The Department alleged that Dr. Hashmi profited significantly through these practices.

As part of the settlement, Dr. Hashmi agreed to pay $2.6 million. In his statement, Dr. Hashmi clarified that the issue dates back 12 years and involved excess payments made by Medicare, which he has since repaid. Denying allegations of fraud, he affirmed that he continues to practice medicine in the U.S.

Dr. Hashmi, a resident of Paris, Texas, has also served as the city’s mayor multiple times.

The settlement amounts agreed upon by the involved medical practices and physicians are as follows:

• Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC and Mohammed Kazimuddin: $6,750,000
• Heart Clinic of Paris P.A. and Arjumand Hashmi: $2,600,000
• Scranton Cardiovascular Physician Services LLC: $2,369,111
• Shannon Clinic: $996,856
• Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association and Edward Leahey: $894,679
• Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants LLC and Ayim Djamson: $846,888
• Cardiology Center of New Jersey LLC, Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, and Sameer Kaul: $740,000
• Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC and Mahamadu Fuseini: $600,000
• Family Medical Specialty Clinic PLLC, Melecio Abordo, and June Abadilla: $409,594
• James R. Higgins M.D. Inc. and James Higgins: $395,537
• TrustCare Health LLC: $279,407
• Taj Medical Inc.: $240,000
• White River Diagnostic Clinic PLC, Margaret Kuykendall, and Seth Barnes: $234,490
• Vanguard Heart & Vascular Center P.C. and Fareeha Khan: $195,000
• Boulder Medical Center PC: $160,000
• Wellspring Cardiac Care P.A.: $50,000