A federal grand jury has indicted Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) on charges of healthcare fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The indictment accuses CRMC, previously known as Chesapeake Regional Hospital, of allowing Javaid Perwaiz to perform unnecessary surgeries despite his past felonies and terminated privileges at another hospital.
From 2010 to 2019, CRMC allegedly received $18.5 million in reimbursements for procedures performed by Perwaiz. "After Dr. Perwaiz was convicted of performing irreversible hysterectomies and other medically unnecessary surgeries on women, we continued to investigate the role that CRMC played," said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy involving CRMC, Perwaiz, and others to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other programs by performing non-essential procedures against regulations. "These latest charges are the next step toward justice for the women that were significantly impacted by Perwaiz’ predatory actions," stated Brian Dugan from the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.
Perwaiz allegedly misclassified surgeries and altered obstetric flowsheets to justify elective inductions before 39 weeks without medical reasons. The indictment claims CRMC staff observed these practices but continued billing for them.
Maureen Dixon from HHS-OIG remarked on CRMC's alleged disregard for patient care: "HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating allegations of patient harm."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Elizabeth M. Yusi.
Individuals with information or concerns related to this case are encouraged to contact the HHS-OIG tipline.
An indictment is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.