Rajesh Bindal, a neurosurgeon of Indian descent, allegedly submitted false claims to Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Programme for neurostimulator surgeries performed at his Texas-based practice, Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center PA. The neurosurgeon, was accused of submitting false claims to Medicare for neurostimulator surgeries and electro-acupuncture procedures. A neurosurgeon has to pay $2 million to settle allegations involving false procedures.
According to the allegations, the neurosurgeon performed electro-acupuncture procedures, but billed Medicare as if he had performed more expensive neurostimulator surgeries. This resulted in Medicare paying out more money than it should have.
Ensuring that health care professionals are held accountable for submitting false claims to Medicare is essential for preserving public trust and safeguarding critical resourcesSpecial Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG)
The allegations were made against the neurosurgeon, who practices in Texas. The settlement agreement requires the neurosurgeon to pay $2 million to resolve the allegations. The agreement also requires the neurosurgeon to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
False claims come at a cost not only to our federal health care programs but also to the members who rely on these programs for necessary careSpecial Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM-OIG)
The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires the neurosurgeon to implement certain measures to ensure compliance with federal healthcare laws and regulations. The agreement also requires the neurosurgeon to report any potential violations of these laws and regulations to the government.
The settlement is the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Reference:
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas Platform (Retrieved From: https://www.justice.gov)
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)