A neurologist based in Pearland, Texas, has agreed to a settlement of $948,359.85 to address allegations of submitting false claims related to the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Basem Hamid, who practices neurology and pain medicine in Houston under the entity Basem Hamid MD PA, is at the center of these allegations. From August 27, 2019, to October 3, 2022, Dr. Hamid reportedly billed Medicare for procedures involving the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes—procedures that typically require an operating room and are costly.
However, according to the allegations against him, neither Dr. Hamid nor his staff conducted these surgeries. Instead, patients were allegedly provided with electro-acupuncture devices that involved minimal insertion into the ear and were secured with adhesive tape behind the ear without any incision being made.
“Individuals suffering from chronic pain put their faith in skilled medical professionals to help them find relief and improve their quality of life,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. He emphasized the importance of healthcare providers offering accurate information about services for reimbursement rather than misrepresenting them for financial gain.
Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows from the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG) also commented on the case: “When health care professionals submit false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them.” He added that Dr. Hamid's actions misled vulnerable citizens for personal financial benefit according to the allegations.
The investigation was carried out by DHHS-OIG alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handling this matter.
It is important to note that these resolved claims are only allegations and there has been no determination of liability regarding Dr. Hamid's actions.