FBI Raids Southern California Hospice for Suspected Fraud

FBI agents, collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services, executed a raid on the home of a couple who operate a hospice in Southern California, amid allegations involving $7 million in fraudulent activities.

This operation was among several conducted early Thursday morning.

Ameroo and Gladwyn Gill, who manage St. Francis Palliative Care in Anaheim, were taken into custody by an FBI task force as agents pried open the property’s metal gate and used a loudspeaker to demand their exit.

According to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the hospice maintained an unusually low mortality rate of 2.3% over the past five years.

The husband is mentioned as a psychologist, while the wife works as a nurse.

This raid followed an investigation by the California Post that revealed a wider network of physicians alleged to be responsible for submitting millions in questionable claims within California’s hospice system.

Dr. Fariba Javaherian, a dermatologist, is linked to 63 hospice facilities throughout California, serving as medical director or attending physician, based on CMS data acquired by the Post.

Her National Provider Identifier (NPI) was recorded with 1,662 unique patients across various hospice agencies and was involved in over 6,000 claims amounting to $35,816,331.

In the aftermath of the Post’s findings, CMS revoked her Medicare billing license and suspended the licenses of at least 16 hospice agencies affiliated with her.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the CMS Administrator, commented, “Dr. Javaherian’s white coat was a costume.” However, it’s important to note that she has not been formally accused of any misconduct.

“Today we suspended hundreds of hospices,” said Dr. Oz, who was present during the Thursday raid.

The front gate of the Gills’ home showed clear signs of having been forcibly removed by federal agents.

Overall, this incident underscores ongoing scrutiny in the hospice sector amidst rising concerns over fraudulent claims.