MANASQUAN – A doctor admitted to defrauding health insurance companies of more than $1.9 million.
Dr. Fazal Panezai, 76, of Morganville, pleaded guilty in federal court.
As the owner of Matawan-Aberdeen Heart & Medical Center, he submitted false claims to at least six health insurance benefit programs for office visits that either never occurred or did not take place for the length of time that he claimed, officials said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office gave an example in which Panezai billed approximately 27.9 hours for one day’s worth of office visits. They also tabulated more than $80,000 in bills for office visits when he was out of the country and not conducting visits. He also submitted claims for office visits when patients only stopped in to pick up a prescription but didn’t see the doctor.
He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2024.
