Pittsford Psychiatrist Accused of Fraud

A Pittsford psychiatrist has been charged with health care fraud. Prosecutors said Dr. Muhammad Cheema falsely reported the amount of time he spent with patients. As part of their investigation, agents conducted video surveillance of the employee entrance at Cheema's practice. Patients reported he would put his feet on his desk and play on his phone during the appointment. According to court paperwork, patients said their appointments with Cheema "lasted approximately 5 minutes." Excellus reported to the FBI that Cheema routinely changed office billing codes, charged telephone appointments as office visits and regularly had around 30 patients scheduled, despite his office being open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Between January 2012 and July of last year, investigators estimate Cheema submitted nearly $1.8 million in fraudulent claims. Cheema appeared in federal court Monday for an initial appearance. He is due back in court in September.


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