Indian-Origin Doctor among Six Charged in Alleged Healthcare Fraud of $464 million in U.S.

An Indian-origin doctor is among six doctors charged for alleged health fraud of $464 million in the United States. This alleged medical fraud involves over 13 million unlawfully prescribed opioid prescription drugs.

According to a press release issued by U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eastern District of Michigan on Dec.6, six doctors including Dr. Rajendra Bothra have been charged with 56-count of medical fraud.

Bothra, 77, is the owner and operator of a pain clinic in Michigan. It is alleged that his pain clinic issued bills to insurance companies by mentioning a maximum number of medical procedures and services provided to patients, who were not in need of such procedures.

The statement further names five other doctors: Dr. Eric Backos (65), Dr. Ganiu Edu (50), Dr. David Lewis (41), Dr. Christopher Russo (50) and Dr. Ronald Kufner (68). All these doctors worked at Bothra’s clinic and allegedly prescribed opioid medication to patients so that they keep visiting the clinic.

“Once there, in order to receive the highly addictive opioid prescriptions, patients were forced to undergo ancillary services, such as painful facet joint and facet block injections,” added the statement.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said that opioid distribution has done devastating damage to the community and to the United States as a whole.

“Healthcare professionals who prey on patients who are addicted to opioids in order to line their pockets is particularly egregious.  We will continue to prosecute such individuals who choose to violate federal law and their ethical oaths,” said Schneider as per the release.

Timothy R. Slater, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division said that FBI and its partners are committed to conducting vigorous investigations against those doctors, who deliberately prescribe opioid to their patients so that they are bound to undergo unnecessary medical procedures.

“Today’s charges should signal to the community that we take these cases seriously and I encourage anyone who has information about this case – or about any other activity of this type – to contact the FBI at 313-965-2323,” said Slater.

“Physicians who engage in the illegal and negligent prescribing of controlled substance in order to unjustly enrich themselves of taxpayer dollars will be held accountable,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

“The OIG will continue to prioritize the investigation of allegations involving fraud schemes that incorporate the illegitimate prescribing of Opioid medications in order to protect the health and safety of patients,” added Pugh, who is also Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region.

“Each person charged here is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” says the release.