Texas Doctor Sentenced to 10 Years for $118 Million Medical Fraud Scheme
May 21, 2023 — Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, a 68-year-old rheumatologist from Texas, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for orchestrating a staggering $118 million healthcare fraud scheme. Convicted in 2020 of multiple counts including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed patients with serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and billed insurance companies for unnecessary tests and treatments, enriching himself at their expense.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Zamora-Quezada was also ordered to forfeit approximately $28 million in assets, which include 13 real estate properties, a private jet, and a luxury Maserati sports car. His fraudulent activities spanned nearly two decades, affecting countless patients who believed they had incurable conditions. Prosecutors revealed that he fabricated medical records and administered harmful medications, leading to debilitating side effects for many, including strokes and tissue death.
During his trial, witnesses, including former employees, testified about the toxic environment at his clinic. Many employees, often on work visas, faced intimidation and threats of termination if they did not meet rigorous quotas for procedures. Some employees described the appalling conditions of patient records, noting they were stored in a dilapidated barn infested with rodents.
Zamora-Quezada’s actions were labeled a profound betrayal of trust by DOJ officials, who emphasized the severe harm inflicted on vulnerable patients. The case highlights the urgent need for accountability in the healthcare sector to protect patients from fraudulent practices.
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