Acting United States Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg has announced the filing of a civil complaint under the False Claims Act against Dr. Shayasta S. Mufti, a medical provider in Delaware. The complaint alleges that Dr. Mufti submitted false claims to Medicare for unnecessary genetic laboratory tests.
The United States claims that from April 2019 to November 2019, Dr. Mufti referred over 100 Medicare beneficiaries for genetic tests not medically necessary but paid by Medicare. For coverage by Medicare, such tests must be ordered by a treating physician using results to manage a specific medical problem of the beneficiary. Allegedly, Dr. Mufti did not have a medical relationship with those she referred for testing and did not use test results in managing their conditions. Referrals were reportedly based on brief or non-existent telemedicine consultations, with some tests costing thousands per patient.
“The integrity of our federal healthcare programs…relies on medical providers adhering to professional standards,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg, emphasizing accountability for those exploiting health care programs.
Special Agent Maureen R. Dixon of HHS-OIG stated they remain committed to investigating fraud schemes affecting Medicare funds’ integrity.
Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Laksin is handling the investigation and litigation.
This case underscores the government’s focus on fighting health care fraud through tools like the False Claims Act. Reports of potential fraud can be made via HHS TIPS at 800-447-8477.
The allegations are currently unproven, pending further legal determination.
A copy of this release and the complaint can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the District of Delaware.
