CHICAGO: An Indian origin doctor practicing in Lemont, a south west suburb of Chicago, was in hot water as a sequel to investigation by Federal authorities which have accused him of scheming to accept kickbacks for patient referrals.
Neil Sharma, 34, a medical director for a company that contracts with Medicare and Illinois Medicaid, was arrested March 13 in a federal sting operation after he collected an illegal $2,500 kickback for his patient referral scheme, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney.
Sharma is facing five years in prison, if convicted.
Sharma met in Darien with the owner of a company that provides benefits to Medicare and Medicaid patients. At the February 13 meeting, according to federal prosecutors, Sharma proposed that he refer patients in exchange for monthly cash payments and a title of medical director of the other man’s company.
The owner of the company, however, went to the FBI. On February 27 in Rockford under the watchful eyes of federal agents, that man paid Sharma $2,500, according to the US Attorney. Sharma was arrested and charged with receiving illegal remunerations.
In addition to prison time, he could be fined $25,000 and be compelled to pay full restitution.
Sharma was Vice President of Medical Affairs / Chief Medical Director at IlliniCare in Westmont.
Previously, Sharma had a private practice in geriatric medicine in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
India Post News Service
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