New Jersey pain clinic settles healthcare fraud for $240,000

A pain management clinic in New Jersey has admitted to healthcare fraud. The clinic, Pain Specialists, has agreed to pay $240,000 as part of a civil settlement. The clinic pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding insurers over nearly five years. It operated in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties. Pain Specialists will pay about $59,000 in restitution and a criminal fine of around $82,000, according to U.S. Attorney John Giordano. Between November 2015 and January 2020, the clinic used its owner’s identification number to bill for services that required his direct involvement. This led to higher payments from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Although the clinic accepted responsibility for incorrect billing, a defense attorney stated that patients had been treated by licensed professionals. Once the issue was found, the owner, Dr. Morris Antebi, began corrective actions and staff training to prevent future errors. Dr. Antebi faces no personal charges. The clinic also agreed to pay $240,000 in a civil settlement for improperly billing for services provided when no physician was present. This settlement addresses allegations, and there has been no determination of liability.