Dallas-Area Physician Now Faces ID Theft Counts

DALLAS (AP) – A Dallas-area doctor charged in a federal health care fraud investigation now faces identity theft counts. The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday that documents filed in federal court in Tyler show Dr. Tariq Mahmood faces seven counts of aggravated identity theft. Investigators say the case involves unlawful use of names of Medicare beneficiaries. Mahmood was charged last year with eight counts of health care billing fraud. Mahmood has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message Thursday. Regulators last February halted funding for Mahmood’s Renaissance Hospital in Terrell and it closed. Mahmood also operated hospitals in Grand Saline, Cameron, Dilley and Center. Gov. Rick Perry last summered ordered state health officials to review facilities owned by the physician from Cedar Hill.