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 medical practice in Takoma Park, Maryland. The U.S. District Court found that Dr. Akoto submitted false claims to Medicare by billing for procedures involving auricular stimulation (P-Stim) devices.
According to federal authorities, Dr. Akoto used P-Stim devices to treat patients’ pain symptoms through electrical acupuncture applied externally behind the ear. Acupuncture treatments, including those using electrical stimulation, are not eligible for Medicare reimbursement. The complaint alleged that Dr. Akoto falsely billed Medicare by using codes intended for implantable neurostimulator devices—a complex surgical procedure typically performed in an operating room—despite only applying non-invasive P-Stim devices from January 17, 2019 to 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 U.S. Attorney Kelly O. 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.”
Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) added: “Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare enrollees is required of all health care providers participating in the program,” Dixon said. “HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to evaluate and pursue inaccurate billings related to P-Stim and similar devices.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes recognized HHS-OIG’s role in investigating the case and thanked Thomas F. Corcoran, Chief of the Civil Division at USAO-MD, along with Investigator Ann Thiel for their efforts.
Further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, or how to report fraud can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
