Abortion Doctor Hamid Hussain Sheikh Indicted for Huge Medical Fraud Charges

According to Kentucky.gov, Dr. Hamid Hussain Sheikh, an abortion doctor working in Lexington, Kentucky, was been officially indicted for serious and costly fraud charges.

The official indictment stated that the 62-year-old doctor committed serious medical fraud by performing legal abortions and then billing Medicaid, stating that the abortions were instead fetal ultrasounds for normal, routine pregnancies.

Additionally, Sheikh also committed fraud against his own patients. When it came time for payment, he charged both Medicaid and the patients which he provided treatment for. The indictment stated that Sheikh had been running the scheme since 2004.

The doctor's fraud case was pursued by Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo, who credited the state's Fraud Investigation Support Team with investigating the illegal abortion medical activities.

Stumbo said about the case, "Without the combined talents of the Attorney General's staff detailed to FIST, identifying this criminal activity likely would have never occurred. This is a new way of using technology to safeguard the public."

Originally, the Fraud Investigation Support Team reviewed the insurance claims to verify the patients who were treated by Sheihk. The team was able to see right through the claims due to the fact that the medication given to typical abortion patients was clearly listed on the claim forms. With enough evidence, charges were able to be pursued against Sheihk.

Stumbo also revealed more information: "The investigation continues. Additional charges are possible in view of the deplorable sanitary conditions found in Sheikh's office."

If Dr. Sheikh is found guilty of the fraud charges in a court of law, he could spend up to 20 years behind bars in a Kentucky jail. Currently, he faces four felony charges. Additionally, his arraignment is scheduled for November 30th, 2007 and will take place in a Franklin County, Kentucky Court House.

The abortion doctor's indictment was sought after by Attorney General Stumbo's Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Division after a long investigation that lasted months.

The case itself is being officially prosecuted by Assistant Attorney Generals Jennifer Wintergerst and Jesse Robbins. Also, Kentucky Bureau of Investigation Agent Keith Howard will be working on the case.

The Attorney General is reminding the public that they can report fraud, even if it is just suspected. To report fraud, call the Attorney General's toll free tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384).

More information about the case of Dr. Sheikh will be reported at Kentucky.gov in the form of an official press release. Keep your eyes open for more information.

Source:

Kentucky.gov. "Attorney General Stumbo Announces Arrest of Lexington Abortion Doctor." kentucky.gov/Newsroom/ag/hamidhussainsheikh.htm