ATLANTA – Dr. Kamal Kabakibou and his medical practice, Kamal Kabakibou, M.D., P.C., doing business as “The Center for Pain Management,” have settled claims under the False Claims Act (“FCA”) and the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) arising from their alleged billing for medically unnecessary testing and for pre-signing opioid prescriptions to be dispensed by a nurse practitioner while Dr. Kabakibou was out of the country.  As part of the settlement, they will jointly pay $3.5 million to the United States and have agreed to submit regular monitoring reports to the Drug Enforcement Administration for the next five years.  Dr. Kabakibou and his medical practice have also entered into a three-year integrity agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which includes an annual claims review by an independent review organization.

“Our office will continue to insist that dangerous opioids be properly dispensed and that federal healthcare dollars be wisely spent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “On behalf of those healthcare providers who correctly bill for medical procedures, and for the patients who rely on the safety net of federal healthcare programs, our office will continue to work vigorously with our federal agencies and law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those providers who engage in misconduct.”

“Health care professionals are entrusted with accurately billing federal health care programs and prescribing controlled substances responsibly,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in fraud schemes that exploit federal health care programs and jeopardize patient safety.”  Read More from Source