A Clinton Township, Mich., physician and pharmacist have agreed to pay a total of $700,948 to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act.
According to a Nov. 4 release from the Department of Justice, Stephen Swetech operated a medical practice within an office complex owned by his wife's company, Gmajos. Heartland Drugs, a pharmacy owned by Yasser Maisari and run by Med Express, was also located in the complex. Gmajos leased space to Biolab, a medical lab, within Dr. Swetech's office.
The settlement resolves allegations that from Jan. 1, 2018, to Jan. 1, 2020, Biolab paid above-market value to Dr. Swetech in order to lease space from Gmajos, inducing referrals from Dr. Swetech. It also settles allegations that between Jan. 1, 2016, and Jan. 1, 2018, Dr. Swetech prescribed medically unnecessary opioid and ADHD medications through Mr. Maisari's pharmacy, violating the False Claims Act.