CHESAPEAKE, Va. - A local doctor was arrested Friday for health care fraud and making false statements related to health care, records show.
The FBI started investigating Javaid Perwaiz, 69, back in September 2018, after receiving a tip from a hospital employee who suspected he may have been performing unnecessary surgeries on unsuspecting patients, documents say.
Javaid Perwaiz
Perwaiz's patients advised hospital staff they were present for their "annual clean outs." In many instances, reports say the patients were not aware of the procedures they were undergoing.
From January 2014 to August 2018, Perwaiz performed a surgical procedure on 40% of his Medicaid beneficiaries which amounted to 510 patients, reports show. Of the 510 patients, approximately 42% of them underwent two or more surgeries.
Witnesses also alleged that Perwaiz routinely used the "C-word," referring to cancer, to scare patients.
Perwaiz remains in custody at Western Tidewater Regional Jail and has a court appearance on November 14.
State records from the Virginia Board of Medicine show Perwaiz faced similar allegations in the 1980s. At that time, his privileges were suspended at Maryview Hospital following more than a dozen surgeries, including hysterectomies. The records also say he admitted to having a sexual relationship with a patient in 1983, but at the time he only was censored.
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About 15 years later, the records show his medical license was temporarily suspended when he pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion.
Investigators say his surgeries resulted in permanent injuries to three patients and life-threatening injuries to two patients.
On Monday, none of his staffers answered the door to his practice off of Churchland Boulevard in Chesapeake. Patients came by to try and get their medical records, but some told News 3 they were not able to get them.
The FBI believes others may have information about the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online.
