New PAC defends doctor embroiled in Medicare fraud lawsuit

WASHINGTON — A Florida cardiologist under federal scrutiny for his high Medicare billings appears to have a new weapon on his side: a political action committee aimed at defending him against government "bureaucrats" and "money-hungry whistle-blowers."

The PAC, Patient's Right to Excellent Medicine or PREM, ran a full-page ad Sunday in The Ocala Star-Banner denouncing the federal government and media's treatment of Dr. Asad Qamar, the paper reported. On its website, the PAC describes itself as a coalition of patients "disgusted and distressed" by "inaccurate" portrayals of "this extraordinary physician."

Qamar has been in the national spotlight recently because he was among the top three recipients of Medicare reimbursements nationwide in 2012 and 2013. He took in $18.3 million and $16 million in 2012 and 2013, respectively, from the federal insurance program for seniors and the disabled.

This year, the U.S. Justice Department intervened in two whistle-blower lawsuits against Qamar and his physician group, the Institute for Cardiovascular Excellence. In its complaint, federal lawyers allege Qamar submitted false claims to Medicare for "excessive, medically unnecessary, and/or inadequately documented cardiovascular procedures," such as inserting stents into arteries.

The Justice Department also claims Qamar paid kickbacks to patients by routinely waiving the 20% Medicare beneficiary co-payment, regardless of the patients' financial need. The civil lawsuit is pending.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers Medicare, suspended reimbursements to Qamar and the institute in March, citing "credible allegations of fraud," court documents show.

Harold Beck, a retired college professor who is one of Qamar's patients, runs the new committee. He said Qamar is not involved in the PAC's operation.

"We are going to exert pressure on Medicare," said Beck, who said Qamar helped relieve the symptoms of his ALS, a fatal neurological disorder, by inserting stents to improve circulation in his legs. "Who are they to determine whether my doctor is doing unnecessary treatments on me? He went to Yale. Where did they go?"

Qamar did not return telephone calls, but his spokesman Lou Colasuonno said in a statement that Qamar's "tireless, innovative work has dramatically improved the health and quality of life for thousands of his patients."

"It is not surprising that there is now a groundswell of support from many who believe that the doctor and his dedicated staff have been unfairly targeted," he added.

Qamar has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

In a video addressed to his patients that was posted on YouTube earlier this year, Qamar called the Justice Department allegations "baseless" and touted his practice's history of caring for low-income residents. "We will continue to do our very best for you," he said. "God willing, we shall prevail."

Qamar has been active in politics, donating heavily to Democratic candidates and party committees in recent years. Two years ago, he gave $50,000 to Organizing for Action, a non-profit group promoting President Obama's second-term agenda. He also contacted lawmakers in Washington to protest the federal review of his Medicare reimbursements, The New York Times and other news organizations report.

"We're not getting any help from the people he supported," Beck said of Qamar's past political donations. "Everyone he supported has turned their backs on him."

Donations are starting to trickle in to PREM, Beck said. He said the PAC likely will get involved in political races.

Beck and the committee's website describe the group as a super PAC, which would allow it to accept unlimited money from individuals, unions and corporations to advance its agenda. Patient's Right to Excellent Medicine, however, is categorized as a leadership PAC in the statement of organization Beck filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission.

Beck called the filing as a leadership PAC an "oversight" that will be corrected.

Contributing: Meghan Hoyer, USA TODAY