Brookfield Doctor Facing 210 Years In Prison For Fraud

Brookfield podiatrist Dr. Samir Zaky was found guilty Friday on 14 counts of health care fraud and 14 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters for illegally submitting Medicare claims for procedures he did not perform.

According to the evidence presented at trial, from August 2010 to July 2011, Zaky submitted numerous Medicare claims for nail avulsions — the surgical removal of the border of the toenail, a procedure that requires injectable anesthetic — performed at his clinical office in Brookfield, Affiliated Podiatrists, LLC.

An investigation into Zaky’s practice showed that he merely clipped or trimmed patients’ toenails and no reimbursable surgical procedures were performed.

“Medicare is in place for our nation’s elderly to receive important and often vital health care services,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Mertz said. “It is not for unscrupulous doctors and health care professionals to use as a personal slush fund.”

In addition to a maximum of 10 years in prison on each count of fraud and five years on each count of making false statements, the government is looking to repossess $29,000 in cash found in Zaky’s High Ridge Road residence during a search in August 2010.

“Health care fraud is a serious crime that undermines our ability to provide care to those who need it most,” Acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly said Friday. “Our Office is committed to protecting Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers from all unscrupulous health care providers in Connecticut.”

Zaky has been released on bond since his arrest in November. He will face sentencing in September.