The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has secured a judgment of over $1.4 million against Dr. Richard Akoto, M.D., and his practice in Takoma Park, Maryland, following findings that Akoto submitted false claims to Medicare related to the use of auricular stimulation (P-Stim) devices.
According to the announcement from U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Dr. Akoto treated patients with P-Stim devices, which provide electrical acupuncture through an external application behind the ear. Acupuncture treatments, including those using electrical stimulation, are not eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
The United States filed a complaint stating that Dr. Akoto billed Medicare using codes meant for implantable neurostimulator devices—procedures that require surgical implantation by a surgeon in an operating room—while actually providing non-invasive P-Stim treatments between January 17, 2019 and May 1, 2019.
“Dr. Akoto knowingly submitted false claims by billing non-invasive P-Stim devices as surgical implants—an unconscionable and blatant misrepresentation to exploit the Medicare system,” said Hayes. “This type of fraud not only wastes taxpayer dollars, it also undermines trust in our healthcare system. The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to continuing to work with our partners to identify and eliminate this kind of waste and abuse of our federal health care programs.”
Dixon added: “Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare enrollees is required of all health care providers participating in the program. HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to evaluate and pursue inaccurate billings related to P-Stim and similar devices.”
Hayes acknowledged HHS-OIG’s role in investigating the case, along with Thomas F. Corcoran, Chief of USAO-MD Civil Division, and Investigator Ann Thiel.
Information about reporting fraud or learning more about the priorities of the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
