A federal judge on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for a former Fox Chapel cardiologist convicted two years ago of health care fraud in a “fountain of youth” treatment scheme.
Dr. Samirkumar J. Shah was scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone.
But just two hours before his hearing was scheduled, Shah’s attorney filed a motion seeking a continuance, writing that Shah had an allergic reaction to the Pfizer covid-19 vaccination he received on July 7. The filing said that Shah’s physician told him he needed “strict bedrest for at least six weeks.”
Among the symptoms he allegedly had, the document said, were “fever, arthralgias, dizziness, impaired balance, severe tinnitus and significant hearing loss.”
Cercone, however, denied the motion, writing in his order that his decision was based on “the protracted history of this case and defendant Dr. Shah’s previous actions and behaviors regarding the same.”
When Shah failed to appear for his 1 p.m. hearing, Cercone issued an arrest warrant.
Shah’s attorney, Thomas Kenny, said he could not comment Wednesday afternoon.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shah submitted fraudulent insurance claims from 2008 to 2013 for an outpatient treatment called External Counter Pulsation. It involved a specialized bed equipped with pressure cuffs typically used to treat disabling angina — a chest pain caused by the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
The cuffs put pressure on a patient’s lower extremities to increase blood flow.
Shah bought 25 beds and offered the treatment at more than 18 locations in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Florida.
He claimed the treatments could make patients younger and smarter and address things ranging from obesity, migraines, blood pressure and could boost energy and stamina.
Prosecutors said he double-billed insurers, fabricated patient files and lied about his practice.
Over the time of the crime, they said, Shah submitted more than $13 million in fraudulent claims and received more than $3.5 million in reimbursement.
A jury found him guilty of two counts in June 2019 following an eight-day trial.
According to documents filed in the case, Shah faces a recommended sentencing guideline range of 6 1/2 to nine years in prison.
He also faces restitution of $1.2 million.
