Swan for Life Foundation Not Involved in Medical Fraud Allegations

Despite Dr. Farid Fata's alleged involvement in a Medicare fraud scheme with his Michigan Hematology Oncology practice, his nonprofit organization, Swan for Life, is not involved in the recent allegations, representatives from the organization said in a statement. 

"Swan for Life has no input or specific knowledge of any clinical decisions with regards to any medical treatment given to cancer patients," reads a statement posted to the organization's website. 

Fata, who primarily worked out of the Rochester Hills-based Michigan Hematology Oncology, P.C. and has lived in Oakland Township, is accused by the FBI of improperly administering chemotherapy to patients in remission and at end-of-life, and deliberately misdiagnosing patients to order unnecessary tests.

In total, the practice received about $35 million in Medicare payments over the past two years, with Fata responsible for administering about $25 million in medications, more than any Michigan doctor in the field during that time period, according to an FBI complaint. 

The statement, posted by the organization on Aug. 8, indicates the organization has been informed by the FBI it is not involved in the allegations against Fata, nor is it being investigated.

The statement in full is as follows:

"On behalf of Swan for Life Cancer Foundation we are posting this information to promptly address the profound concern many of you are expressing regarding the allegations being made against Dr. Farid Fata.

"In an inquiry to the FBI, we were informed that Swan for Life Cancer Foundation is not any part of these allegations nor is Swan for Life being investigated.  Dr. Fata was the founder of Swan for Life as well as a donor, but we are a stand alone 501(c)(3) organization that functioned independently of Michigan Hematology Oncology and Farid Fata.  We have a Board of Directors and a CEO.  Swan for Life has proactively sought and passed a financial audit for the last two years.  The programming, support groups and services that have been provided in 2013 were specifically funded by grants and corporate sponsorships.  Swan for Life has no input or specific knowledge of any clinical decisions with regards to any medical treatment given to cancer patients.  

"We are personally deeply saddened and shaken to the core by the news of the arrest this week.  Our purpose at Swan for Life Cancer Foundation since inception has been to serve the emotional needs of the cancer community through support, education, resources and wellness services.  Our heart is broken for the many cancer patients that do not deserve any additional anxiety placed upon them beyond that which is inherent in a cancer diagnosis. 

"Along that line, Swan for Life has asked that the U.S. Attorney, Barbara McQuade, to put out a press release on our behalf stating that Swan for Life is not part of these allegations or investigation.  We have also asked to be put in touch with someone at the FBI to aid patients in any way that we can from an emotional standpoint during this extremely difficult time.

"Finally, Swan for Life Cancer Foundation will be halting some current activities while we determine if there is any opportunity to restructure.  We will be directing people to our web site as we gain additional legal guidance and future direction.  A formal press release will be forthcoming."