The accusations stem from a number of malpractice suits against Dr. DeMaio alleging he performed a variety of unnecessary procedures that put patients’ health at risk and, in one case, ended in death.
Dr. DeMaio denied performing any unnecessary procedures and is challenging the board’s allegations before an administrative law judge.
Dr. DeMaio has practiced in Austin and more recently in El Paso.
Although it does not appear the state or federal government has yet become involved in this case, the government has shown increased scrutiny of heart stent procedures as possible violations of the False Claims Act in recent months.
In Maryland, for example, the Health Services Cost Review Commission is expected to release a report on the possible overuse of cardiac stent procedures in the state by the end of the month. The report is expected to identify hospitals in the state that are performing cardiac stent procedures at unusually high rates.
The Maryland investigation stemmed from accusations against Mark G. Midei, MD, for performing unnecessary stent procedures at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Md.
Read the Austin American-Statesman report on Dr. Samuel J. DeMaio.
Read more coverage on heart stent investigations:
– Maryland Committee Investigating Stents to Release Report by End of Month
– OIG’s Increased Scrutiny on Heart Stents and ICDs: What It Means For Your Hospital
