A Texas-based rheumatologist, Dr. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. The 68-year-old doctor was found guilty of performing unnecessary procedures, including administering chemotherapy to healthy patients, and falsely diagnosing others with chronic illnesses. His motivation was to fund a lavish lifestyle, which included luxury cars, a private jet, and numerous high-end real estate properties.
Zamora-Quezada was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to the Department of Justice. The conviction came after a 25-day trial in 2020.
The doctor made fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid amounting to approximately $118 million and received over $28 million from insurance companies for unnecessary tests and treatments. He has been ordered to repay the $28 million he fraudulently obtained from these insurance companies.
Zamora-Quezada’s malpractice extended to misdiagnosing his patients with rheumatoid arthritis and prescribing them harmful medications. The side effects of these medications were severe, causing strokes, necrosis of the jawbone, hair loss, liver damage, and extreme pain that made everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, and driving difficult.
Patients testified about the devastating impact of his actions. One patient described feeling as if their life had lost all meaning due to the constant bed rest and medication. A mother likened her child’s experience to being a “lab rat,” while young patients felt they were living in the bodies of elderly people.
Other medical professionals who testified during the trial confirmed that it was clear the patients did not have any chronic diseases. The Department of Justice emphasized the importance of Zamora-Quezada facing justice for his actions.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, condemned Zamora-Quezada’s actions, stating, “Dr. Zamora-Quezada funded his luxurious lifestyle for two decades by traumatizing his patients, abusing his employees, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money.” Galeotti added that the sentence served as a warning to medical professionals who exploit their patients for personal gain.
Nearly 20 victims offered statements during the trial, including Miranda Hinojosa, who was transported by ambulance. Hinojosa, who is now bedridden, was administered unnecessary chemotherapy by Zamora-Quezada starting when she was just 11 years old. Another victim expressed their hope that Zamora-Quezada would “rot in hell.”