Reading Eagle
Psychiatrist who practiced in Reading admits he committed Medicaid fraud
September 11, 2015

An Allegheny County psychiatrist who practiced in Reading pleaded guilty Thursday to committing Medicaid fraud and practicing and writing prescriptions while his medical license was suspended.

Dr. Jopinda R. Harika, 62, of Monroeville entered an open guilty plea before Judge Scott D. Keller to medical assistance claim fraud, tampering with public records and unlawful prescribing as a practitioner.

Harika’s sentencing was deferred until October.

Harika was charged by the attorney general’s office in February. Senior Deputy Attorney General Elizabeth M. Madigan said Harika’s license was suspended in 2012 by an Allegheny family judge after Harika failed to pay court-ordered support.

Harika saw 565 patients and wrote prescriptions for at least 450 patients during the 32-day suspension. The offenses took place at Reading Behavioral Health Services, Child and Family Support Services in Reading and the Multicultural Wellness Center in Philadelphia.

Authorities said that while many of the clients Harika served were not billed to Medicaid, the agencies reportedly billed about $58,000 to Medicaid for Harika’s services. Harika was also paid about $73,380 in salary by the three agencies.