Former anesthesiologist Jayam Krishna Iyer, MD, will pay more than $102,000 to settle allegations that she violated the False Claims Act, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida announced Jan. 7.
Four details:
1. Federal authorities began investigating Dr. Iyer's prescribing practices in 2017. In August 2018, the Florida physician pleaded guilty to prescribing Schedule II controlled substances and billing Medicare for office visits without examining patients.
2. As part of the criminal plea deal, Dr. Iyer agreed to pay restitution and to forfeit $51,521 that Medicare paid based on fraudulent claims.
3. She was handed a six-month prison sentence, surrendered her Florida medical license and agreed to relinquish her DEA registration without reapplying for 20 years. Dr. Iyer also agreed to permanent exclusion from all federal healthcare programs.
4. In early 2019, the U.S. sued Dr. Iyer to collect civil damages and penalties based on the admissions she made as part of her guilty plea in the criminal healthcare fraud case. A $102,126.98 payment by Dr. Iyer will settle the civil lawsuit.
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