Texas Doctor Sentenced to Ten Years for $118 Million Healthcare Fraud Scheme
A Texas rheumatologist, Jorge Zamora-Quezada, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for orchestrating a massive health care fraud scheme that defrauded patients and insurance companies out of $118 million. The 68-year-old physician falsely diagnosed healthy individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, subjecting them to unnecessary and costly treatments.
Operating from his Mission, Texas office, Zamora-Quezada misled patients into believing they had debilitating chronic illnesses. He administered harmful treatments, including toxic medications and invasive procedures, causing significant health issues for many victims. Testimonies from fellow doctors revealed that their examinations often showed patients did not have the condition, with some suffering severe side effects such as strokes and liver damage.
The Department of Justice detailed how Zamora-Quezada manipulated medical records to secure insurance payments from Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Over two decades, he siphoned approximately $28 million in fraudulent claims. His employees, who faced threats and intimidation, were coerced into participating in the fraudulent activities.
The courtroom heard harrowing accounts from patients, including one mother likening her child’s ordeal to that of a lab rat due to the excessive medications prescribed. The doctor’s operations were marked by chaos, with patient files found in deplorable conditions after his arrest.
Zamora-Quezada was convicted of multiple counts, including health care fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to forfeit over $28 million, along with an extensive real estate portfolio and luxury assets, including a private jet and a Maserati.
The DOJ emphasized that this case serves as a warning to medical professionals exploiting their positions for personal gain, reaffirming the commitment to hold such individuals accountable.
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