Quincy, Mass.-based Nova Psychiatric Services, Philadelphia-based Patriot Eldercare and psychiatrist Alexandra Accardi, MD, agreed to pay $1.4 million to resolve allegations they fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid and the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission for psychotherapy and medication management services that were not performed.
Nova and Patriot, collectively known as Prime Behavioral Health, operate behavioral health clinics in Quincy and Weymouth, Mass. Dr. Accardi is the founder and owner of both organizations, according to a May 18 Justice Department news release.
Federal officials alleged that between Jan. 1, 2017, and May 18, 2023, Nova and Patriot submitted claims for services behavioral health clinicians did not provide. The Justice Department said Miguel Saravia, Nova’s COO, directed independent contractors to alter claims before submission by adding billing codes for psychotherapy and medication management services that clinicians had not performed.
Mr. Saravia was charged in September 2024 with six counts of healthcare fraud tied to billing practices. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced in March 2025, to 3.5 months in prison and ordered to pay $561,141 in restitution.
The settlement also resolved whistleblower claims filed under the False Claims Act, according to the release.
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