Mercer Times

The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Fazal Panezai, a cardiologist from Monmouth County. The decision follows Panezai's conviction in a $1.9 million health care fraud scheme and unrelated allegations of criminal sexual contact against a patient.

Panezai, who owned Matawan-Aberdeen Heart & Medical Center, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting to defrauding insurance providers by submitting fraudulent claims. In addition to the permanent revocation of his license, he agreed to resolve allegations of dishonesty, fraud, professional misconduct, and other violations.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated, "We hold physicians to professional standards befitting the trust the public and their patients place in them. When they fall short of those standards, as this doctor did, they must be held accountable." Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added that "there is no place in New Jersey’s medical profession for conduct such as this."

Panezai pleaded guilty on April 11, 2024, to charges related to executing a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs. He submitted false claims for office visits that either did not occur or were misreported in terms of duration. As a result, he collected over $1.9 million in fraudulent reimbursements.

In an unrelated case, Panezai faces state charges for fourth-degree criminal sexual contact involving an alleged incident with a patient in September 2018. This matter is pending with the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

Panezai has represented that he ceased practicing medicine in New Jersey last January and agreed to retire permanently from practice in the state as part of resolving the Board's inquiry into his conduct.

A Consent Order filed by the Board requires Panezai to cease all patient contact and medical practice activities immediately. He must also divest any financial interest or benefits from practicing medicine in New Jersey but can collect accounts receivable for services rendered before January 31, 2024.

By November 4, 2024, Panezai must notify the Board about where his patient records are secured and how patients can access them.

Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber represented the state under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner and Assistant Section Chief David M. Puteska from the Professional Boards Prosecution Section within the Division of Law.

Patients who believe they have been treated improperly by a licensed healthcare professional can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling their toll-free numbers within New Jersey.

The Division of Consumer Affairs aims to protect the public from fraud and professional misconduct through education and enforcement across various boards overseeing numerous professionals and businesses in New Jersey.

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