Texas psychiatrist convicted for role in $158 million Medicare fraud scheme

May 23, 2017

On May 23, 2017, Texas psychiatrist Riaz Mazcuri was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud for his role in a $158 million Medicare fraud scheme.  His sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2017.  

Evidence presented at the trial showed that between 2006 and 2012, Mazcuri and others submitted approximately $158 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for partial hospitalization program (PHP) services.  This was done through Riverside General Hospital.  Mazcuri’s signature on patient documents enabled Riverside to bill Medicare $55 million of the overall $158 million billed for fraudulent psychiatric services.

SOURCE: Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, “Houston-Area Psychiatrist Convicted of Health Care Fraud for Role in $158 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme,” Justice News, 23 May 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/houston-area-psychiatrist-convicted-health-care-fraud-role-158-million-medicare-fraud-scheme.