India-West News Desk
ATLANTA, GA– Physician Jitesh Patel and his practice, Advanced Urology, Inc., along with affiliated entities, have agreed to pay $14 million to settle allegations of fraudulent billing and medically unnecessary procedures involving federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
The allegations stem from two whistleblower lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The two, a former employee and a former physician, alleged systemic practices aimed at maximizing revenue through unnecessary tests and procedures. Under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, the individuals who brought the lawsuits will collectively receive $2.94 million from the settlement.
The whistleblowers alleged that the practice implanted permanent Sacral Nerve Stimulator devices without confirming patient benefit, performed unnecessary cystoscopy and retrograde pyelogram procedures requiring anesthesia, and routinely conducted electromyography tests on new patients despite their limited relevance in urology. They also cited thousands of unnecessary ultrasound orders.
In addition, the practice was accused of billing for Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy procedures that were not performed, while carrying out less complex treatments but seeking higher reimbursements from government programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the alleged conduct led to the submission of false claims to federal healthcare programs. “...
Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s nonpartisan newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. Please support us by becoming a premi...