Man accused of posing as chiropractor, billing Independence Blue Cross for $1M

Published: 2011-07-27 14:09:30
Author: John George

 

Tahib Smith Ali, a Philadelphia man who allegedly posed as a chiropractor and physical therapist, was charged Tuesday with health-care fraud and aggravated identity theft.


A 150-count indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that in 2009 and 2010, Ali, operating through a Philadelphia clinic known as “Oasis Holistic Healing Village,” submitted more than $1.1 million in fraudulent claims for chiropractic services toIndependence Blue Cross under the name and medical provider number of a licensed chiropractor who no longer worked at the clinic.


According to the indictment, Ali billed IBC for chiropractic services that were never actually provided and for patient visits that never occurred. In other cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s alleges Ali held himself out to patients as a chiropractor, wore scrubs, and performed muscle stretching and spinal manipulation — and then billed IBC as if the services were provided by a former licensed chiropractor at the clinic.


Ali could not be reached for comment.

If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of more than 100 years imprisonment and up to $25 million in fines.


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